Watch Movement Triggering Mechanism Instantaneous Chronograph
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch movement mechanisms, such as those described in patent EP 1658531, do not allow for instantaneous triggering of the jump of the display disc and can be affected by round defects in the control wheel, leading to inconsistent energy usage and potential disruptions in the smooth operation of chronograph functions.
Innovation Solution
A watch movement with a trigger mechanism that uses an actuating member linked to the auxiliary energy source to reposition the trigger mechanism after releasing the auxiliary energy, allowing for instantaneous triggering and maintaining the auxiliary mechanism's availability for the next trigger, while utilizing the torque of the auxiliary energy source to drive the auxiliary mechanism and return the trigger mechanism to its rest position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control mechanism uses the teeth of the drive wheel to control the triggering mechanism, then the auxiliary mechanism can be driven by the auxiliary energy source, but the triggering cannot be instantaneous and the timing is affected by round defects in the drive wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated triggering mechanism with a triggering lever and triggering star that acts as an intermediary between the control mechanism and the auxiliary power source. This intermediary system allows instantaneous triggering by directly engaging the locking mechanism without being constrained by the roundness of the drive wheel teeth, thus resolving the timing precision issue while maintaining the ability to drive the auxiliary mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control system into separate functional components: a control mechanism that manages the triggering mechanism, and a dedicated triggering mechanism that handles the release of the auxiliary power source. This segmentation allows the triggering function to operate independently with high precision, unaffected by imperfections in the drive wheel, while still coordinating with the overall control system.
2Force
If the control mechanism has less force than the auxiliary energy source, then the auxiliary mechanism can be fully released, but the control mechanism cannot maintain continuous control over the triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic action system where the triggering mechanism is released and re-locked in cycles. The control mechanism activates the triggering mechanism periodically to release the auxiliary power source, then the auxiliary mechanism's own operation periodically re-locks the triggering mechanism. This periodic interaction allows the weaker control mechanism to maintain continuous control despite having less force than the auxiliary energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a feedback loop where the auxiliary mechanism's operation directly influences the state of the triggering mechanism. When the auxiliary mechanism operates, it automatically re-locks the triggering mechanism, providing feedback that ensures continuous control. This feedback mechanism allows the control mechanism to maintain authority over the system despite the force imbalance.
3Device complexity
If the auxiliary mechanism is released without an actuating member, then the structure is simpler, but the triggering mechanism cannot be repositioned for the next trigger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the auxiliary power source serve multiple functions: it both drives the auxiliary mechanism and provides the force to return the triggering mechanism to its rest position. By using the auxiliary power source for dual purposes, the patent avoids adding a separate actuating member, thus maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring the triggering mechanism is available for the next trigger.
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
This solution ensures instantaneous triggering of the auxiliary mechanism with a higher force ratio between the control wheel and the auxiliary energy source, maintaining smooth operation and reducing energy draw from the main energy source, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the chronograph mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary power source kinematically linked to an auxiliary mechanism via an auxiliary drive gear
Implementation Method 2
a locking mechanism for the auxiliary power source arranged to move between a locked position in which it blocks the auxiliary power source and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 3
allowing an instantaneous triggering of a jump of an auxiliary mechanism although the control moving part, driven by the main energy source and arranged to cooperate with the triggering mechanism to release the auxiliary energy source when the auxiliary mechanism is to be driven, has a force much less than that of said auxiliary energy source
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a main power source (1), an auxiliary power source (2) kinematically linked to an auxiliary mechanism via an auxiliary drive gear (3), a locking mechanism (5) for the auxiliary power source (2) arranged to move between a locked position in which it blocks the auxiliary power source (2) and an unlocked position in which it allows said auxiliary power source (2) to rotate, a triggering mechanism (6) for said locking mechanism (5) to move between a first rest position and a second maximum position, and to cooperate with the locking mechanism (5) to drive it from its locked position to its unlocked position when it passes from its first position to its second position,and at least one control element (8) driven by said main energy source (1) and arranged to cooperate with the release mechanism (6) to allow it to move from its first position to its second position when said auxiliary mechanism is to be driven by said auxiliary energy source (2). The movement also includes an actuating member (10) kinematically linked to the auxiliary energy source (2) and arranged to cooperate with the release mechanism (6) in its second position so as to be able to reposition it in its first position before the locking mechanism (5) returns to its locked position.