Watch Movement Dual Time Zone Synchronization Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch movements for displaying multiple time zones are complex, require cumbersome adjustments, and lack efficient reset mechanisms, especially for dual time zone corrections.
Innovation Solution
A watch movement with a mechanism that allows for superimposed display of current and local time zones, featuring a second time zone setting mechanism with an hour wheel and jumper, and a synchronization mechanism using rockers and a heart cam to facilitate easy adjustment and reset of the local time display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dual time zone mechanisms are used with separate correction systems, then both time zones can be displayed, but the device complexity increases significantly with multiple differentials and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the setting mechanism and synchronization mechanism into a single integrated system. The crown serves dual functions: when pulled to the first position it sets the local time zone, and when pulled to the second position it synchronizes the current time zone with the local time zone. This eliminates the need for separate correction mechanisms for each time zone, reducing component count while maintaining full dual time zone functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The crown is designed as a universal control element that performs multiple functions: winding the mainspring, setting the local time zone (first position), and synchronizing the time zones (second position). The single crown mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate adjustment systems, achieving multi-functionality with a single component
2Ease of operation
If traditional reset mechanisms are used that require incremental adjustment, then the second time zone can be corrected, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism is pre-configured with a heart cam and jumper assembly that enables direct positional adjustment. When the crown is pulled to the second position, the rockers and heart cam mechanism are already positioned to allow the user to quickly advance or retract the hour hand to the correct position in a single rotational motion, rather than requiring incremental step-by-step adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static incremental adjustment system to a dynamic direct-adjustment system. The rockers and heart cam allow the hour hand to be moved freely in either direction (advancement or retraction) depending on the time difference, enabling the user to choose the shortest path to the correct time rather than being constrained to fixed incremental steps
3Productivity
If the complication completes 360° in twelve or twenty-four hours continuously, then the display remains constantly updated, but traditional correction and reset principles become unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic disengagement mechanism using rockers and a heart cam that allows the continuously rotating complication to be temporarily held and adjusted. The rockers can be positioned to engage or disengage the heart cam from the hour wheel, enabling the user to freeze the rotation for correction purposes and then resume continuous operation after adjustment, thus maintaining both continuous update capability and correction usability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece movement comprising a device for displaying the time in at least two time zones, the display device comprising a minute display member (M), a member (H1) for displaying the current hour representing a first time zone, a member (H2) for displaying the local hour representing a second time zone, the member (H1) for displaying the current hour and the member (H2) for displaying the local hour being superimposed, the movement further comprising a mechanism for setting to the time in the second time zone, arranged to move the member (H2) for displaying the local hour, and a mechanism for synchronising the member (H1) for displaying the current hour and the member (H2) for displaying the local hour, arranged to reposition the member (H2) for displaying the local hour so as to be superimposed with the member (H1) for displaying the current hour in order to leave only one hour-indicating member (H1, H2) visible.