Tourbillon Mechanism Nested Rings Rate Difference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tourbillon mechanisms in mechanical timepieces are bulky and unattractive due to multiple toothed crowns on the dial side, and they do not effectively reduce rate differences between horizontal and vertical positions.
Innovation Solution
A tourbillon mechanism featuring an outer ring mounted rotatably on a frame with an inner ring that rotates relative to the outer ring, a support pivotally mounted within the inner ring, and a compound movement driven by a first toothed member and a drive element integral with the going train's wheel set, allowing for reduced rate differences and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional tourbillon mechanism with multiple toothed crowns is used, then the rate differences between horizontal and vertical positions are reduced, but the device becomes bulky and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested ring structure where an inner ring is positioned inside an outer ring, both rotating about different axes. This nesting arrangement allows the tourbillon mechanism to achieve compound rotation for rate differential compensation while significantly reducing the overall volume and eliminating the need for multiple protruding toothed crowns, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotation about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis of the outer ring. This dimensional addition creates a three-dimensional compound rotation system, allowing the balance wheel to experience rotational compensation in multiple directions simultaneously, thereby reducing rate differences without increasing horizontal footprint or visual bulk
2Reliability
If a triaxial tourbillon with multiple cages is used, then rate differences are reduced, but the mechanism becomes bulky and unattractive due to several toothed crowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the complex multi-cage structure by nesting the inner ring inside the outer ring rather than using separate cages. This nested configuration achieves the same compound rotation function with fewer discrete components, reducing structural complexity and eliminating the need for multiple toothed crowns while maintaining rate differential compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple rotation systems into a single integrated structure where the inner ring and outer ring work together as one unified tourbillon mechanism. This consolidation achieves compound rotation and rate compensation without requiring separate toothed crowns for each rotation axis, thereby reducing device complexity
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 reduces rate differences between horizontal and vertical positions, enhances the aesthetic appeal by minimizing bulk, and increases resistance to shocks with additional pivot points, while maintaining precise timekeeping.
Implementation Method 1
an outer ring mounted rotatably on the frame about a first axis, at least one inner ring mounted inside the outer ring and rotatable relative to the outer ring about a second axis, preferably perpendicular to the first axis
Implementation Method 2
means for driving the inner ring cooperating with the wheel set of the going train and arranged to move the inner ring and accordingly the outer ring, giving the support a compound movement
Implementation Method 3
a first pinion integral with the shaft of the support arranged to cooperate with said first toothed member so as to drive said support in rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a timepiece, including: a frame (2); a mobile body (4) of a finishing gear train; and a tourbillon mechanism including a holder (14) supporting a balance (16) and at least one escapement element. The tourbillon mechanism also includes: an outer ring (24) rotatably mounted onto the frame (2) about a first axis (A1); at least one inner ring (26) mounted inside the outer ring (24) and rotatable relative to the outer ring (24) about a second axis (A2), the holder (14) being pivotably mounted in the inner ring (26) and said holder (14) being secured to a shaft around which the inner ring (26) is freely and rotatably mounted about a third axis (A3); a first toothed member (12) mounted onto the frame (2); a first pinion (38) secured to the shaft (30) of the holder (14) and arranged so as to engage with said first toothed member (12) so as to rotate said holder (14); and a means for driving the inner ring (26), engaging with the movable body (4) of the finishing gear train and arranged so as to move said inner ring (26) and, consequently, the outer ring (24), thus imparting a composite movement to the holder (14).