Sympatique Watch Time-Setting with Train Separation and Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sympatique watches and clocks of the state of the art require periodic time-setting, which biases the time-setting mechanism and is uncertain if the watch is not removed at a predetermined instant, and do not allow for immediate start-up of the watch when stopped.
Innovation Solution
A sympatique watch with a horological movement, coupling and reset mechanisms, and actuators that enable step-by-step time indexing and separation of display and finishing train, allowing accurate time-setting at any moment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the watch is placed on the sympatique clock for periodic time-setting, then the time can be set accurately, but the time-setting mechanism is unnecessarily biased and the operation is uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the time-setting operation into distinct phases: a first phase for rough time-setting and a second phase for precise time-setting. This segmentation allows the watch to be removed from the clock after rough setting, eliminating the biasing problem while maintaining accurate time-setting capability through the subsequent precise setting phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a preliminary rough time-setting operation that can be performed before the watch is placed on the clock. This preliminary action allows the user to set the time approximately correct, then the watch can be removed and later returned for precise time-setting, eliminating the need to keep the watch on the clock continuously.
2Ease of operation
If the watch remains on the sympatique clock, then time-setting can be performed, but the watch cannot be removed and operated independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time-setting process into two phases that can be performed at different times: rough setting can be done independently before placing on the clock, and precise setting is performed after placement. This allows the watch to be removed for independent operation while maintaining the ability to achieve accurate time-setting when returned to the clock.
3Productivity
If the watch is stopped and needs to be restarted, then the watch must be coiled and adjusted in advance, but this creates unnecessary waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary coiling and adjustment operations to be performed before the watch is placed on the sympatique clock. This preliminary action allows the watch to be fully prepared for operation in advance, eliminating the need to wait for a specific time-setting instant to perform these operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A sympatique watch (30), including a horological movement to which are connected a watch hour (31) and minute display (32), including a barrel (33), a resonator (34), a time-setting mechanism, a coupling mechanism (38) to separate a display train (35) and a finishing train (36), a stop mechanism (37) of a resonator (34), and a reset mechanism to move each hour (31) and minute display (32) in a predetermined reference position. The watch includes a first and a second actuator (310, 320) cooperating with a first and a second actuator (210, 220) of the clock (20). The first actuator can occupy three successive distinct positions to act on the coupling mechanism (38), the stop mechanism (37) and the reset mechanism. The second actuator can occupy two end positions alternately to act on the time-setting mechanism, only when the first actuator (310) occupies one of its successive distinct positions.