Torque Smoothing Jumper for Timepiece Striking Mechanisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Timepieces with striking mechanisms experience irregular torque consumption, leading to jerks in the going train and amplitude variations of the resonator, particularly due to high torque usage at quarter-hour intervals and subsequent dips, which result in parasitic torque and wear on components.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a torque smoothing jumper mechanism that engages discontinuously with the output wheel set, utilizing a spring to absorb and redistribute torque, thereby smoothing torque consumption and preventing jerks and amplitude variations, while allowing precise adjustments to optimize existing timepiece mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a striking mechanism is used to provide display functions at quarter-hour intervals, then the display mechanism can change at precise instants, but torque consumption becomes irregular causing jerks in the going train and amplitude variations of the resonator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay precisionVSAvoidgoing train smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the jumping lever with cam profile) between the output wheel set and the striking mechanism. This intermediary absorbs and redistributes torque variations, smoothing the torque consumption while maintaining the precise quarter-hour striking function. The cam profile on the jumping lever acts as a mediator that transforms the irregular torque demands into a more uniform torque delivery to the going train.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If torque is significantly increased at quarter-hour intervals for striking, then the display mechanism can be actuated, but this causes parasitic torque and wear on the movement components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestriking function capabilityVSAvoidparasitic torque and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning the jumping lever on a cam profile that anticipates the torque requirements. The cam profile is designed to gradually increase torque demand before the striking instant, cushioning the sudden torque spike. This prevents parasitic torque and wear by smoothing the torque transition before the actual striking event occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The jumping lever is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to jump between positions on the cam profile. This dynamic movement enables the mechanism to adapt torque consumption in real-time, matching the actual display requirements while minimizing unnecessary torque variations that would cause wear and parasitic effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the elastic return means is gradually wound by the output wheel set, then the display mechanism can store energy, but torque variation occurs during winding and unwinding cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoidtorque consumption stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The jumping lever acts as an intermediary between the output wheel set and the elastic return means. It decouples the direct connection, allowing the elastic return means to be wound gradually while the jumping lever absorbs torque variations. This mediator enables energy storage in the elastic return means while maintaining stable torque consumption from the output wheel set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces torque variations without eliminating them, thereby enhancing the smooth operation of timepiece mechanisms, reducing wear, and maintaining energy efficiency by matching torque consumption during peak and off-peak periods, thus improving the reliability and longevity of timepieces.

Implementation Method 1

A spring, fixed to a plate or to a bridge, tends to return the torque smoothing jumper into discontinuous abutment on the output wheel set

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11435696B2Torque smoothing for a timepiece, particularly with a striking mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 BLANCPAIN SA

AI summary

Timepiece with a movement driving an output wheel set, a passing strike or minute repeater mechanism, including a strike drive wheel set including a release ratchet with which cooperates a click for execution of a strike function, a strike uncoupling lever for moving any click away from the strike wheel set, including a first lever carrying the click and its spring, the output wheel set activating a second lever, the pivoting of which causes the first lever to pivot, the striking mechanism includes a torque smoothing jumper, which is returned by a first spring into abutment on the output wheel set, in order to use, when the second lever is not in mesh with the output wheel set, an equivalent torque to that which it uses when meshed with this output wheel set.