Timepiece Movement Equalizing Winding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece mechanisms face challenges in maintaining high operating reliability while minimizing disturbance to the escapement, particularly due to fluctuations in energy transmission and difficulty in precise adjustment of kinematic chains.
Innovation Solution
The proposed movement incorporates a regulating device with a second kinematic chain separate from the going train, utilizing a multiplicative gear train and a whip to reduce energy subtraction from the escapement, allowing for periodic release and rotation of the control wheel, thereby isolating the rearming process and minimizing disturbance to the escapement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control cam integral with the control wheel is used to periodically lock and release the stop wheel, then the regulation function is achieved, but the control cam requires force subtraction from the going train which causes torque fluctuations and disturbs the escapement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the regulation mechanism into two separate kinematic chains: one for energy transmission (going train) and another for control function (control wheel with cam). This segmentation allows the control cam to operate independently without extracting force from the going train, thereby eliminating torque fluctuations and disturbance to the escapement while maintaining reliable regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the separate control wheel kinematic chain) that mediates between the energy source and the stop wheel regulation. This intermediary control system allows the cam to function without directly interacting with the going train, preventing harmful torque variations while achieving the desired periodic locking and releasing action
2Ease of operation
If the control wheel is directly driven from the going train, then the regulation device can be actuated, but the energy subtraction causes fluctuations in torque applied to the escapement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into two independent chains: the going train for stable energy transmission to the escapement, and a separate control wheel chain for actuating the regulation device. This ensures that control wheel rotation does not extract variable torque from the going train, maintaining torque stability while enabling easy regulation device operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control wheel serves multiple functions: it stores rotational energy, provides the cam profile for periodic locking/releasing action, and drives the regulation mechanism. By consolidating these functions in a separate kinematic chain, the system achieves ease of operation without compromising torque stability in the main going train
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
This solution ensures high operating reliability with reduced disturbance to the escapement, achieving a constant force transmission and maintaining oscillations with minimal impact on the escapement's operation, thereby enhancing the timepiece's precision and power reserve.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member intended to periodically store energy by deformation, from the first energy source of the movement, to restore it to the oscillator
Data Source
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AI summary
A movement for a timepiece comprising a first energy source (9) intended to sustain the oscillatory movement of a mechanical oscillator comprising a resonator and an escapement, through a finishing gear train that forms, between said first energy source (9) and the escapement a first drive line, said movement further comprising a regulating device (14) intended to control said escapement. The regulating device (14) comprises a stop wheel (16) kinematically connected to said finishing gear train and intended to effect a rotational movement periodically, a control cam (24) driven in rotation and secured to a control wheel (20), a locking device, controlled by said cam (24) for locking said stop wheel (16) and periodically releasing it, and an elastic member (18) intended periodically to store energy from said first energy source (9) and restore it to said oscillator. In addition, said regulating device (14) further comprises transmission means and means of regulating said control wheel (20), said transmission means and said regulating means forming, with the control wheel (20), a second drive line that does not include said finishing gear train, said transmission means being arranged to supply energy to said second drive train, and said regulating means being designed periodically to release said control wheel (20) and allow the transmission means to drive the rotation of said control wheel (20).