Sympathetic Watch Assembly for Precise Time Setting and Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sympathetic clocks and watches face issues with biased time-setting mechanisms, unnecessary wear of automatic barrels, uncertain time settings, and difficulty in adding functions beyond minute winding and time setting, due to continuous placement or periodic winding strategies.
Innovation Solution
A sympathetic assembly with a clock and watch connection mechanism using two distinct transmission lines, one for function selection and the other for power transfer, allowing independent and sequential adjustment of time settings and winding, ensuring precise time setting and optimal winding at any time, even when the watch is stopped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the watch is placed continuously on the clock for winding, then the watch can be wound at any time, but the automatic barrel undergoes significant wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic winding action through a controlled engagement mechanism that activates the winding function at specific intervals or conditions, rather than continuous engagement. The connection mechanism includes a controlled engagement feature that can be selectively activated, allowing winding to occur periodically when the watch is placed on the clock, rather than continuously, thereby reducing wear on the automatic barrel while still providing winding capability.
2Measurement precision
If the watch is stopped when placed on the clock and winding is periodic, then time setting can be performed, but the watch does not work and prior time adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing time setting operations before the watch is removed from the clock. The connection mechanism enables the watch to be time-set while in the docked position, and the controlled engagement feature ensures that the time setting function is activated in advance before the watch is taken off, preventing loss of time adjustment and ensuring the watch is properly synchronized before use.
3Productivity
If high speed winding is used to coil the watch faster, then full coiling is achieved quicker, but the sliding flange function of the barrel experiences premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic winding with controlled speed variation. The connection mechanism allows for high-speed winding pulses at periodic intervals rather than sustained high-speed continuous winding. This periodic high-speed action achieves full coiling faster on average while allowing rest periods that reduce cumulative wear on the sliding flange, balancing productivity with component longevity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reference time setting of the displays of a sympathetic watch by a sympathetic clock forming a sympathetic assembly with the watch. At any time, the reference time setting of the watch is performed by a first phase during which the placement in the reference position is triggered, by a first displacement of an interface between the clock and the watch, the reference time setting of the displays, and the coupling mechanism is uncoupled to allow the rack to drive the display gear train of the watch in the counter-clockwise direction, over as many revolutions as necessary, until the pawl meets the ratchet tooth opening of the hour cam, then the time-setting mechanism controlled by the clock sets the time of the displays of the watch in the clockwise direction to the exact time by recoiling the rack, then the coupling mechanism is recoupled.