Electromechanical Timepiece Regulator Circuit for Smooth Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical timepieces experience abrupt braking, leading to mechanical shocks and energy losses, which shorten the lifespan of generators and their components, and fail to efficiently store energy during braking events.
Innovation Solution
A regulator circuit with a first switch, inductor, and capacitor, arranged in a parallel and series configuration, provides a smooth and alternating braking effect, allowing for energy accumulation and reducing mechanical impact by decoupling switching frequency from generator frequency, enabling energy storage and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If abrupt braking is applied to the generator when frequency is higher than reference, then synchronization is achieved, but mechanical shock increases and generator lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a switching element that repeatedly opens and closes at a high frequency to create a pulsating braking effect. This transforms the single abrupt braking event into multiple small braking pulses, reducing mechanical shock while achieving the same frequency control objective. The switching element operates periodically to dissipate energy in controlled increments rather than all at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the braking action dynamic and adaptable through the switching element's on/off cycles. The braking force is not static but varies dynamically with each switching cycle, allowing the system to adjust the braking intensity and duration to minimize mechanical impact while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Loss of energy
If abrupt braking is applied to the generator, then frequency synchronization is achieved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of energy dissipation during braking into a beneficial feature by using the switching element to control the braking process. The energy that would be wasted in a single abrupt braking event is instead dissipated in controlled pulses, and the switching element itself becomes the mechanism for both braking and energy management. The pulsating braking action allows energy to be dissipated more efficiently while maintaining synchronization.
3Device complexity
If simple braking circuit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy storage capability during braking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a brake controller, an energy management device, and a frequency regulator. By making the switching element multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for energy storage or management, thus maintaining circuit simplicity while achieving energy dissipation and storage capabilities through the same basic component.
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 prolongs the lifetime of mechanical components, enhances energy efficiency by storing dissipated energy, and synchronizes the mechanical movement with a reference frequency without the need for batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (4) which is mechanically coupled to the mechanical power source (2), wherein the generator (4) can be driven by the mechanical power source (2)
Implementation Method 2
The first inductor and the first capacitor provide an alternating braking effect and energy accumulation when repeatedly opening and closing the first switch (10). In this way, electrical energy dissipated by braking or decelerating the generator (4) can be accumulated by the first capacitor (14) and is not lost.
Implementation Method 3
The regulator circuit (8) comprises at least a first switch (10), at least a first inductor (12) and at least a first capacitor (14)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising:a mechanical power source coupled to a time indicating display,a generator, wherein the mechanical power source is coupled to the generator,a regulator circuit configured for enslaving a generator frequency of the generator to a reference frequency, wherein the regulator circuit is configured for electrically braking the generator when the generator frequency is higher than the reference frequency, wherein the regulator circuit comprises:at least a first switch, at least a first inductor and at least a first capacitor, wherein the first switch and the first capacitor are arranged parallel to each other and wherein the first switch and the first capacitor are arranged in series with the first inductor.