Timepiece Regulator with Linear High-Amplitude Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece regulators are limited by the geometry of the regulating member, support, and elastic suspensions, restricting the amplitude of oscillation and affecting the linearity of mechanical oscillators.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece movement with a monolithic design featuring a regulating member that oscillates with a high amplitude in one direction and a lower amplitude in a perpendicular direction, utilizing a blocking mechanism to control the energy distribution member, and a monostable elastic member to maintain oscillations, enhancing linearity and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional elastic suspension system is used to mount the regulating member, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the amplitude of oscillation is limited by the geometry of the regulating member, support and elastic suspensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional rotational oscillation to linear oscillation along a straight line. The regulating member moves back and forth in a linear path rather than rotating, which removes geometric constraints on oscillation amplitude and allows for larger excursions without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional elastic suspension mechanical system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets mounted on the support interact with magnets on the regulating member to provide restoring force and damping, eliminating the need for physical elastic suspensions and enabling greater oscillation freedom
2Manufacturing precision
If the regulating member is constrained by traditional geometric limitations, then the structure remains compact, but the linearity of the mechanical oscillator is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from rotational to linear oscillation, the system achieves superior linearity naturally. The regulating member travels along a straight line defined by the magnetic field geometry, eliminating the angular deviations inherent in rotational systems and providing inherently linear motion without requiring additional volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of oscillation from angular displacement to linear displacement. This parameter change enables precise control of oscillation characteristics through magnetic field strength and geometry, achieving high linearity while maintaining a compact footprint
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 allows for higher amplitude oscillations and improved linearity, resulting in enhanced precision and stability of the timepiece movement.
Implementation Method 1
a regulating member (17) which is mounted on a support (112, 113) by an elastic suspension (21) so as to be able to oscillate
Implementation Method 2
a monostable elastic member to maintain oscillations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
A timepiece regulator (7) comprising an inertial regulating member (17) which is mounted on a support (12-15) by an elastic suspension (21) so as to be able to oscillate in translation, along a main direction of translation (X).