Temperature Compensator for Electronic Timepiece Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically controlled mechanical timepieces face accuracy issues due to temperature variations, as the frequency of the crystal oscillator changes with temperature, leading to decreased timekeeping accuracy and reduced autonomy due to increased current consumption by temperature compensators, especially when mechanical energy is low.
Innovation Solution
A temperature compensator system with a frequency adjustment control circuit and theoretical regulation circuit that adjusts the oscillation frequency and braking of the rotor, using a constant voltage circuit to reduce current consumption and improve frequency precision, and employing a SOI process IC with FAMOS memory for device-difference compensation data storage to minimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature compensator is provided to compensate for crystal oscillator frequency changes, then timekeeping accuracy is improved, but current consumption increases and autonomy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature compensator is operated periodically rather than continuously. The control circuit activates the temperature compensator only at specific intervals when temperature drift is detected or at predetermined time points, allowing the crystal oscillator frequency to be compensated without continuous power consumption. This periodic operation maintains timekeeping accuracy while significantly reducing average current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the temperature compensator based on detected temperature changes and power availability. When mechanical energy is abundant, the compensator operates at higher precision modes. When energy is limited, the system switches to lower-power compensation modes or extends the interval between compensation cycles, maintaining adequate accuracy while adapting to energy constraints.
2Measurement precision
If a temperature compensator with high current consumption is used, then timekeeping accuracy is improved, but the energy balance deteriorates when mechanical energy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the mechanical energy availability (through generator output voltage or current sensing) and the temperature of the crystal oscillator. Based on this feedback, the control circuit intelligently decides when to activate the temperature compensator and at what power level. When mechanical energy is sufficient, full-power compensation is applied. When energy is low, the system reduces compensator power or extends intervals, maintaining energy balance while preserving adequate timekeeping accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature compensator system transitions from a static, fixed-power design to a dynamic, adaptive system. The compensator's operating state (on/off, power level, interval) is continuously adjusted based on real-time conditions of temperature, energy availability, and timekeeping accuracy requirements. This dynamic adaptation ensures the system maintains reliability across varying energy conditions while preserving timekeeping precision when possible.
3Measurement precision
If the oscillation frequency is adjusted to compensate for temperature, then timekeeping accuracy is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control circuit as an intermediary between the temperature compensator and the crystal oscillator. This control circuit simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the logic for when and how to apply temperature compensation. The control circuit receives temperature signals, determines appropriate compensation levels based on energy availability, and activates the temperature compensator only when necessary, thereby reducing the need for complex continuous-adjustment mechanisms and simplifying the overall circuit design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances time accuracy and autonomy by reducing current consumption and voltage fluctuations, allowing the timepiece to maintain precise timekeeping even with low mechanical energy input, while minimizing circuit size and power usage.
Implementation Method 1
charging a power circuit with electrical energy generated by driving an electrical generator by means of mechanical energy produced by a spring unwinding
Implementation Method 2
controlling rotation of the rotor of the generator by operating a brake control circuit by means of the electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece includes an arithmetic circuit, a first switch that controls connection of a temperature compensation table storage to a power supply circuit, and a second switch that controls connection of a device-difference compensation data storage to the power supply circuit. The arithmetic circuit calculates a compensation amount based on a temperature measured by a temperature detector, a temperature compensation data, a device-difference compensation data, and outputs to a frequency adjustment control circuit and a theoretical regulation circuit. The first switch is controlled to the connect state during a first power supply connection period including a temperature compensation data read period. The second switch is controlled to the connect state during a second power supply connection period including a device-difference compensation data read period.