Watch Winding Optimization via Acoustic Feedback and Oscillating Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent watch winders with open loop control systems suffer from long-term time drift due to uncontrolled mechanical and environmental factors, lacking the ability to correct the rate and state of mechanical or automatic watches, and are less complex and cost-effective compared to closed loop systems that use vision for time reading.
Innovation Solution
A method and servo device for optimizing watch adjustment and winding in an open loop system, involving a pampering operation with variable and oscillating speeds, combined with traditional winding, to maintain the watch's mechanical energy source, and using acoustic or vibration measurements to detect the watch type and running errors, ensuring precise timekeeping without temporal drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vision-based closed loop control is used to read the watch time, then timekeeping precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vision-based optical reading systems with acoustic sensing systems. The microphone captures escapement noise characteristics to determine watch parameters, substituting complex optical-mechanical vision systems with simpler acoustic sensing while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic copies (sound waves) of the escapement mechanism to extract timekeeping information, rather than directly observing the mechanical components with vision systems. The acoustic signature serves as a proxy for the mechanical state
2Device complexity
If acoustic measurement only is used for open loop control, then device complexity is reduced, but time drift occurs over long period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring escapement noise characteristics and adjusting the winding mechanism accordingly. The system measures the acoustic signature, compares it against reference values, and automatically corrects deviations through controlled winding adjustments, maintaining long-term timekeeping accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The watch system uses its own acoustic emissions (escapement noise) as the sensing signal, eliminating the need for external observation systems. The watch essentially senses and regulates itself through its inherent mechanical sounds
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional winding operation is used without adjustment, then mechanical energy source is maintained, but rate error increases due to barrel unwinding and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static winding into a dynamic, adaptive process. The winding operation continuously adjusts based on real-time acoustic measurements of escapement behavior, responding to changing conditions such as barrel unwinding, temperature variations, and lubricant degradation to maintain optimal rate accuracy throughout the energy storage period
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 solution effectively maintains precise oscillation frequency over a long period, reducing costs and eliminating time drift by using a pampering operation with changing rotation speeds and acoustic/vibration measurements to correct watch errors, ensuring accurate timekeeping without the need for continuous vision-based control.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic or vibrational measurement step is performed based on the presence of the watch or watch movement within the control system
Implementation Method 2
Fine-tuning is primarily achieved through a process known as 'pampering,' which involves moving the watch at a variable, oscillating speed. This involves a positive speed followed by a negative speed during each oscillation period
Implementation Method 3
The table or stand on which the watch or watch movement is placed is capable of rotating about a central axis perpendicular to the table or stand, preferably at a defined average speed
Data Source
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AI summary
The method is designed to optimize the adjustment and reassembly of a watch or its movement. The watch or movement is placed on a fixed reference surface or table of a servo system equipped with means to move the watch or movement to carry out the method.The method includes steps consisting of initially performing a measurement of the operation of the watch or watch movement followed by an activation of a low-amplitude back-and-forth movement operation of the watch or watch movement on said apparatus of the device, or conversely, initially performing an activation of a low-amplitude back-and-forth movement operation of the watch or watch movement before performing a measurement of the operation of the watch or watch movement, a step of resuming low-amplitude back-and-forth movements in phase or a synchronization step being performed at the end of the first two steps.The first oscillating signal of low-amplitude back-and-forth movements includes a change of sign of the absolute rotational velocity in each oscillation period relative to a fixed reference of the device table, the oscillating signal comprising on each oscillation period a positive part and a negative part of the operating velocity.