Timepiece Tensioning Mechanism for Torque Fluctuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timepieces face torque fluctuations due to long running periods or additional components, affecting the accuracy of the oscillating system and requiring constant torque.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning mechanism with a control system that drives the tensioning element in cyclic steps via a gear train, allowing for precise control of the storage hairspring and enabling the minute and hour hands to move in precise steps, reducing installation space and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the main energy-storing device is used to drive additional components (such as minute hand, hour hand, alarm mechanisms), then the functionality of the timepiece is extended, but torque fluctuations increase and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate tensioning mechanism with its own control system that operates independently from the main energy-storing device. This segmentation allows the tensioning mechanism to specifically address torque fluctuations without being burdened by the additional functional requirements of driving minute hands, hour hands, alarm mechanisms, and other components. The control system tensions the storage hairspring in cyclic steps to compensate for torque variations caused by multiple driven components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the main energy-storing device and the various driven components. By introducing this intermediate system with its own control logic, the patent isolates the torque fluctuations generated by multiple functions and provides a dedicated compensation mechanism, thereby maintaining accuracy despite extended functionality.
2Reliability
If a tensioning mechanism with control system is added to eliminate torque fluctuations, then accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates by tensioning the storage hairspring in periodic cyclic steps rather than requiring continuous adjustment. This periodic action simplifies the mechanism compared to continuous control systems, as it uses discrete timing events (synchronized with the escape wheel oscillations) to apply corrective tension, reducing the complexity of the control logic and mechanical components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanism utilizes the existing oscillations of the escape wheel and the natural properties of the storage hairspring to regulate its own operation. The control system is designed to automatically tension the hairspring at appropriate intervals based on the oscillation cycle, without requiring external intervention or complex sensing mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the driving part moves in angular steps to enable precise control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the uniformity of motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic approach where the control system adjusts the tensioning of the storage hairspring in real-time cyclic steps based on the actual operation of the timepiece. This dynamic adjustment compensates for the non-uniform motion introduced by angular stepping, maintaining stable and accurate timekeeping despite the discrete nature of the control actions. The system adapts to the varying torque requirements as the timepiece operates.
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 eliminates torque fluctuations, enhancing the accuracy of the timepiece by allowing precise control of the clockwork movement, enabling 'jumping minute' and 'one-handed' functionality, and allowing for accurate digital time display within limited space.
Implementation Method 1
a storage hairspring (6) connected at one end to the tensioning element, the other end of which is connected to a wheel (9) which drives the clockwork movement in a rotatable manner
Implementation Method 2
driven rotatably in cyclic steps by an element of the gear train from the main energy-storing device to the tensioning element
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece comprising a main energy storing device, a gear train coupled to the main energy storing device, a tensioning element coupled to the gear train, the tensioning element configured to be driven about a tensioning axis in cyclic steps, a tensioning control system configured to control the tensioning element, a storage hairspring having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the tensioning element, a wheel connected to the second end of the storage hairspring, a clockwork movement rotatably driven by the wheel, an escapement coupled to the clockwork movement and a device configured to be switched in a stepwise manner and driven rotatably in cyclic steps by an element of the gear train.