Timepiece Mechanism Monostable Elastic Member Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece mechanisms are complex, costly, and suffer from low energetic efficiency due to frictional losses and numerous moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanism using a monostable elastic member and a rotary energy distribution wheel, where the elastic member deforms consistently to transfer constant mechanical energy to the regulator mechanism, enhancing energy efficiency and precision by allowing the energy distribution wheel to rotate at a higher frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional escapement mechanism with multiple moving parts is used, then the timepiece can achieve reliable operation, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the escapement wheel and anchor into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate escapement wheel, anchor, and pallet fork parts. This merging reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining the essential functions of impulse delivery and oscillation control, thereby reducing complexity without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated escapement-anchor component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the escapement wheel that controls gear rotation and the anchor that receives impulses from the balance wheel. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the timekeeping mechanism
2Power
If a traditional escapement mechanism with multiple moving parts is used, then the mechanism can provide sufficient energy transfer, but the energetic efficiency decreases due to frictional losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate moving parts from the traditional escapement mechanism. By removing redundant components that contribute to frictional losses, the design achieves more direct energy transfer from the mainspring through the gear train to the balance wheel, improving energetic efficiency while maintaining sufficient power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The gear teeth are designed with preliminary positioning features that ensure optimal engagement angles before impulse delivery. This preliminary alignment minimizes friction during the engagement process and ensures efficient energy transfer from the driving gear to the driven component, reducing energy losses
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified mechanism with fewer moving parts is used, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the measurement precision of timekeeping may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment features in the integrated escapement-anchor component that allow for optimization of the impulse delivery timing and angle. These dynamic elements enable precise control over the interaction between the escape wheel teeth and the anchor pallets, maintaining high timekeeping precision despite the simplified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates adjustable parameters such as the angle of impulse delivery, the position of the pallet fork, and the geometry of the escape wheel teeth. These parameter adjustments allow fine-tuning of the timekeeping precision to compensate for the reduced number of components, ensuring accurate time measurement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 mechanism is more reliable, cost-effective, and achieves higher energetic efficiency and temporal precision by ensuring consistent energy transfer and reduced friction, leading to improved timekeeping accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a monostable elastic member (9) linked to the regulator mechanism (7) and adapted to bear on the teeth (5a) of the energy distribution wheel (5), wherein one tooth (5a) of the energy distribution wheel (5) is adapted to elastically deform said monostable elastic member (9)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
A mechanism for a timepiece, comprising a an oscillating regulator mechanism (7), a rotary energy distribution toothed wheel (5), a blocking mechanism (6) controlled by the regulator mechanism to alternatively hold and release the energy distribution wheel, and a monostable elastic member (9) linked to the regulator mechanism and bearing on the teeth of the energy distribution wheel. The teeth of the energy distribution wheel are adapted to elastically deform the monostable elastic member by cam effect during rotation of the wheel, and the monostable elastic member is adapted to elastically return to its rest position, thus releasing mechanical energy to the regulator mechanism.