Variable Geometry Oscillating Weight for Timepiece Winding Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillating weights in automatic watches have fixed geometry, making it impossible for users to adjust the winding torque based on their lifestyle or activity level, leading to potential over-winding or under-winding issues.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating weight with a variable geometry mechanism, utilizing a differential mechanism with dual planetary wheels and sun gears, allowing users to adjust the relative position of its parts to change the center of gravity and winding torque, enabling direct user adjustment without professional intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillating weight has fixed geometry, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the winding torque cannot be adjusted to match different user activity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating weight is divided into a first part and a second part that can be positioned at different angular locations. This segmentation allows the center of gravity to be adjusted by changing the relative positions of the parts, thereby varying the winding torque to match different user activity levels without requiring a completely redesign of the weight structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a differential mechanism with planetary wheels and sun gears that enables dynamic adjustment of the oscillating weight's geometry. The mechanism allows the first and second parts to be positioned at different angular locations, creating variable geometry that adapts to different winding torque requirements while maintaining a mechanically integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the oscillating weight has variable geometry with multiple parts, then the winding torque can be adjusted, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oscillating weight structure with a differential mechanism in an integrated assembly. The first and second parts of the weight are mechanically linked through planetary wheels and sun gears, allowing geometry variation to be achieved through the relative angular positioning of components within a unified mechanical structure rather than separate adjustable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the adjustment of the oscillating weight's geometry, controls the angular positioning of the first and second parts, and manages the transmission of winding torque. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the center of gravity is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the winding behavior cannot be customized for different lifestyles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a differential mechanism with planetary wheels and sun gears that enables dynamic repositioning of the oscillating weight's center of gravity. The first and second parts can be angularly positioned to adjust the center of gravity location, allowing winding behavior customization without requiring multiple pre-manufactured weight variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows adjustment of the center of gravity position by changing the angular parameters of the first and second parts relative to each other. This parameter-based adjustment enables customization of winding behavior for different lifestyles while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for the base weight structure.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the oscillating weight is designed for highly active wearers, then the power reserve is sufficient, but the spring experiences excessive wear and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables adjustment of the oscillating weight's moment of inertia by changing the angular positions of the first and second parts. Users can optimize the parameter settings to achieve sufficient power reserve for their activity level while avoiding excessive winding torque that would cause spring wear and stress, thereby extending spring durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable geometry mechanism provides feedback capability, allowing users to observe the winding behavior and adjust the center of gravity position accordingly. This enables optimization of the balance between power reserve accumulation and spring stress, preventing excessive wear while maintaining adequate power reserve.
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
Enables users to customize the winding behavior according to their activity level, preventing unnecessary wear on the watch's spring and ensuring optimal power reserve management.
Implementation Method 1
a differential mechanism linked to the first part and to the second part so as to vary the relative position of one part with respect to the other by a rotary movement of at least one of the parts about said axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
in normal conditions of use of the watch, the displacements of the arm of the wearer of the watch bring the weight into imbalance and it is this and the Earth's gravitational force g which define the torque
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating weight (I) with variable geometry for a timepiece mechanism has a first and a second part (10; 20), and an axis of rotation (40) shared by the first and the second part (10; 20). At least one part (10; 20) is arranged in order to oscillate about the axis of rotation. A differential mechanism (30) is connected to the first and to the second part (10; 20) so as to vary the position of one part relative to the other through a rotational movement of at least one of the parts about the axis of rotation (40). Owing to the presence of the differential mechanism (30), the user of the watch can vary the geometry of the oscillating weight (I) directly and therefore the position of its centre of gravity, and thus adapt it to their lifestyle (for example, sport mode, normal mode).