Watch Detection Wheel for Time Correction Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromechanical watches face challenges in determining the moment and direction of time corrections, particularly during time zone changes, which affect date, day, and month indications, due to independent motors and lack of synchronization with midnight changes.

Innovation Solution

A device with a wheel driven by the watch movement, featuring first and second detection means connected to the electronic control circuit, allows the circuit to deduce the direction and moment of time changes, synchronizing the motors and indicators through actuating means and wire springs that generate electrical signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If independent motors are used to drive each indicator (hour, minute, date, day, month), then each indicator can be driven independently, but the synchronization between time corrections and midnight changes cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent motor operationVSAvoidSynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of a detection wheel with detection means that interacts with the independent motors. This intermediary mechanism allows the electronic control circuit to detect the state of each motor-driven indicator and determine the direction and moment of time corrections, thereby achieving synchronization without requiring direct mechanical coupling between motors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection means continuously monitor the position and movement of each indicator driven by independent motors. The electronic control circuit receives this feedback information and uses it to determine when and in which direction to correct the time, ensuring that all indicators remain synchronized with the actual time and midnight changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If the electronic control circuit directly controls multiple independent motors, then time corrections can be applied, but the moment and direction of corrections cannot be accurately determined

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveElectronic controlVSAvoidCorrection timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection wheel acts as an intermediary between the electronic control circuit and the independent motors. It provides mechanical feedback about the state of each indicator, allowing the electronic circuit to accurately determine the moment and direction of time corrections without directly controlling the motors, thus maintaining measurement precision while preserving automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical control of multiple independent motors with an electronic control system that uses a detection wheel to gather mechanical feedback. This substitution allows the electronic circuit to precisely determine correction timing and direction through electrical signals and logical processing rather than direct mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a single motor drives all indicators, then mechanical synchronization is maintained, but the complexity of the drive mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSynchronizationVSAvoidMotor mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the drive system by using multiple independent motors, each driving a specific indicator. This segmentation simplifies the mechanical structure of each motor while introducing complexity at the control level, which is resolved through the detection wheel and electronic control circuit that coordinate the independent motors to maintain synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection wheel serves as an intermediary that reconciles the use of multiple independent motors with the need for synchronization. It provides a unified interface for the electronic control circuit to monitor and coordinate all indicators, thereby maintaining synchronization without requiring a complex single-motor mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8454225B2Device for electromechanical watch for determining the moment at which and the direction in which a time indication has to be corrected

Publication Date: 2013.06.04 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE

AI summary

Device for electromechanical watch (1) allowing an electronic control circuit of the watch (1) movement to determine the moment at which and the direction in which an indication showing a magnitude of time has to be corrected, said device including a wheel (68), which is driven by the watch (1) movement and carries means (70, 72) for actuating first and second detection means (46a, 46b) connected to the electronic control circuit, said electronic control circuit deducing, from the moment at which and the order in which the first and second detection means (46a, 46b) are actuated by the means actuating the wheel (68) driven by the watch (1) movement, the direction in which the wheel (68) is being driven by the movement at the moment when the magnitude of time has to be respectively incremented or decremented.