Tuning Fork Oscillator Conversion Member for Escapement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watch oscillators using tuning forks face challenges with high frequency and low amplitude vibrations, leading to increased energy expenditure and component wear, as well as difficulties in implementing a free escapement mechanism due to the linear movement of tuning fork blades and size constraints in wristwatch designs.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical oscillator design that incorporates a conversion member with a pin system to transform tuning fork oscillations into rotational movements of an anchor, allowing for greater axial displacement and enabling a free escapement mechanism, which includes a rocker or support with multiple pegs to cooperate with the anchor's teeth, ensuring proper operation and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tuning fork resonator is used in a mechanical watch oscillator, then the quality factor increases (10-50 times that of a conventional hairspring balance wheel), but the amplitude of vibrations becomes very low and frequency becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conversion member as an intermediary element between the tuning fork resonator and the anchor escapement mechanism. This conversion member transforms the high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrations of the tuning fork into rotational movements of the anchor with sufficient amplitude, enabling proper engagement with the escape wheel while maintaining the high quality factor benefits of the tuning fork resonator.
2Measurement precision
If a tuning fork resonator is used, then chronometric precision improves, but the linear movement of tuning fork blades makes it difficult to implement a free escapement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion member serves as a mediator that converts the linear oscillatory movement of the tuning fork blades into rotational movement of the anchor. This enables the implementation of a free escapement mechanism where the anchor can properly engage and disengage from the escape wheel teeth, solving the complexity issue while maintaining chronometric precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion member introduces dynamic transformation of motion types, converting the static linear oscillation of the tuning fork into dynamic rotational movement of the anchor. This dynamic conversion enables the escapement mechanism to function properly with the tuning fork resonator.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a tuning fork resonator with high frequency and low amplitude vibrations is used, then oscillation stability improves, but component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion member acts as a protective intermediary that amplifies the movement amplitude before transmission to the escapement components. This reduces the stress and wear on components by ensuring smooth engagement and disengagement of the anchor with the escape wheel, while the tuning fork resonator maintains its stable oscillations.
4Length of moving object
If a conversion member is introduced to transform tuning fork oscillations into rotational movements, then axial displacement amplitude increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion member is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts linear oscillation to rotational movement, amplifies the movement amplitude, and enables proper engagement with the escapement mechanism. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired axial displacement amplitude.
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 design achieves reduced energy expenditure and improved chronometric precision by enhancing the amplitude of axial displacements, allowing for efficient operation of a free escapement mechanism, thus addressing the challenges of high frequency and low amplitude vibrations in tuning fork oscillators.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator (1) of the tuning fork type, of which at least a first oscillating branch (3) is intended to oscillate on either side of a first axis
Implementation Method 2
the high quality factor of a resonator such as a tuning fork, approximately ten to fifty times that of a conventional hairspring balance wheel
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical resonator having a tuning fork for a clock movement having a lever escapement, comprising a tuning-fork oscillator (1), at least one first arm (3) of which is to be oscillated on either side of a first axis and has at least one first pin combined with at least one first fork tooth of an anchor (10, 100) so as to pivot the latter between first and second angular positions, and alternately lock and release an escape wheel (24). The resonator comprises a conversion member (6, 7, 8, 15, 16) which is secured to the first pin and which is arranged to: convert the oscillations of the first arm (3) of the oscillator (1) into rotational movements of the anchor (10, 100) by transmitting first pulses to the latter; and transmit mechanical energy from the anchor (10, 100) to the first arm (3) of the oscillator (1) in the form of pulses such that the first tooth has an amplitude of movement that is either axial or substantially in the direction of the first axis during the pivoting of the anchor, said amplitude of movement being greater than the amplitude of movement of the first pin substantially in the direction of the first axis.