Variable Stroke Rocker for Perpetual Calendar Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-perpetual and perpetual calendar mechanisms unnecessarily consume energy due to the large rocker's daily amplitude movement, especially in months with fewer than 31 days, and require complex month correction sequences.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that limits the large rocker's travel by using a locking sub-mechanism and a locking cam to prevent unnecessary daily strokes and allow month corrections without disengaging from the month cam, optimizing the rocker's position between initial and final actuation positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the large rocker is allowed to traverse its full stroke every day to ensure proper date star actuation, then the date mechanism functions correctly, but unnecessary energy is consumed during months with fewer than 31 days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the large rocker's stroke length variable rather than fixed. The limiting mechanism dynamically adjusts the rocker's travel distance based on the current day and month, allowing full stroke when needed (31-day months) and restricted stroke when not needed (fewer-day months), thus optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable date actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of stroke amplitude from a constant value to a variable value. By using the limiting mechanism with cam profiles that correspond to different days of the month, the system modifies the rocker's travel parameter to match the actual needs of each day, eliminating unnecessary energy expenditure during months with fewer than 31 days.
2Device complexity
If the large rocker remains permanently engaged with the month cam for continuous month reading, then the mechanism structure is simplified, but month correction becomes complex and tricky requiring precise sequencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large rocker's operation into two distinct modes: normal operation mode where the rocker is limited in its stroke and remains engaged with the month cam, and correction mode where the rocker can traverse its full stroke. The limiting mechanism acts as a switch between these modes, simplifying the overall structure while enabling straightforward month correction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting mechanism is pre-configured with cam profiles that correspond to different days of the month. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically prepare the appropriate stroke limitation for each day, so that when month correction is needed, the operator simply needs to activate the correction function without complex sequencing or precise timing requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the large rocker's stroke is limited during most days to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the mechanism must include additional limiting components
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it limits the large rocker's stroke to save energy, it provides the switching function between normal and correction modes, and it incorporates cam profiles that encode the calendar information. By combining these functions into a single mechanism, the patent reduces energy consumption without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the stroke limitation function with the calendar information storage function by integrating the cam profiles directly into the limiting mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for separate components to track calendar information and limit stroke, achieving energy savings with minimal additional complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the large rocker makes large amplitude movements every day in February to catch up on days, then the date correction is achieved, but unnecessary energy is consumed throughout the entire month
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring the limiting mechanism to allow full-amplitude rocker movements only on the specific day when date correction is needed (the last day of February), rather than every day throughout the month. The cam profiles ensure that on correction days, the rocker can make the necessary large amplitude movement, while on all other days, the stroke is limited, thus achieving accurate date correction with minimal energy consumption.
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
Reduces energy consumption by limiting unnecessary rocker movements and simplifies month corrections by allowing the large rocker to remain engaged with the month cam, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of date changes.
Implementation Method 1
a locking cam cooperating with said blocking sub-mechanism and arranged to define the days for which the blocking sub-mechanism is in the locked position or in the unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
a large rocker arranged on the one hand to be able to cooperate with a month cam and on the other hand to actuate the date star each day, said large rocker being capable of pivoting along a travel of variable amplitude
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an actuation device (1) for a date star (2) of a perpetual calendar mechanism comprising a large rocker (4) arranged to cooperate with a month cam (6) and to actuate the date star (2) daily. The large rocker (4) is capable of pivoting through a stroke of variable amplitude depending on the month between a first initial actuation position defined by one of the positions of the large rocker (4) when it is in contact with the month cam (6), and a final actuation position. The actuation device includes a mechanism for limiting the stroke of the large rocker (4) between a second initial actuation position and the final actuation position. This second initial actuation position is intermediate between the first initial actuation position and the final actuation position.said limiting mechanism comprising a locking device (24) for the large rocker (4) movable between a locked position in which the large rocker (4) is locked in its pivoting to limit its travel between its second initial actuation position and its final actuation position and an unlocked position in which the large rocker (4) is free to pivot between its first initial actuation position and its final actuation position, and a locking cam (20) cooperating with said locking device (24) and arranged to define the days for which the locking device (24) is in the locked position or in the unlocked position, the locking device (24) being in the unlocked position at least on the last day of a month of less than 31 days where a catch-up of days at the end of the month is necessary.