Watch Musical Module Carousel for Multi-Melody Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical modules in watches are limited to playing only one melody due to the size and geometry constraints of the cylinder, which prevents the positioning of multiple cylinders within the watch case.
Innovation Solution
A musical module featuring a carousel with four toothed musical discs, each equipped with pins, that can be positioned on a keyboard, allowing for the playback of multiple melodies, utilizing a central pinion and gear train for simultaneous disc operation and a control device to manage disc rotation and carousel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cylinder is used in the musical module, then the structure is simple and compact, but only one melody can be played
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple musical discs (four discs in the embodiment) onto a single rotating carousel structure, allowing multiple melodies to be played by selecting different discs. The discs share common mechanical elements including the central pinion for rotation, the keyboard mechanism, and the regulating organ, thereby achieving multi-melody capability without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel structure serves multiple functions: it holds multiple musical discs, provides rotation mechanism via central pinion, and integrates with the keyboard system. The same mechanical components (carousel, pinion, keyboard) serve all four musical discs, making the system multi-functional while maintaining compactness
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cylinders are positioned in the watch case, then multiple melodies can be played, but the space required exceeds compact watch constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple musical discs vertically stacked on the carousel structure, with each disc positioned one above another. This nesting arrangement allows four complete musical discs to occupy the space of a single disc thickness, enabling multiple melodies to be played within the compact constraints of a watch case without requiring proportional increases in horizontal space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple cylinders to a vertical stacking configuration on the carousel. By utilizing the vertical dimension (z-axis) instead of horizontal expansion, the system accommodates multiple musical discs within the limited watch case volume, effectively solving the space constraint problem
3Adaptability or versatility
If a carousel with multiple discs is implemented, then multiple melodies can be played, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automatic control mechanism where the regulating organ (flywheel with escape wheel) automatically controls the rotation speed and timing of the carousel. The Maltese cross mechanism automatically indexes the carousel to position each disc correctly under the keyboard, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the musical selection to automatically trigger the appropriate disc rotation and playback sequence
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
Enables the playback of multiple melodies within a compact watch format by efficiently utilizing space with the carousel and pinion system, allowing for distinct melodies to be played by varying pin positions on the discs.
Implementation Method 1
A central pinion (6) is freely arranged around the central axis (3) of the carousel (1) in order to be able to simultaneously drive the four musical discs (5) on the one hand and a first wheel (7) on the other. a gear train (7, 8, 9) collaborating with a flywheel (10)
Implementation Method 2
Each of the musical discs (5) has on its underside pins (12) intended to lift the blades of a keyboard (13) when the four discs (5) are positioned in turn on the latter
Implementation Method 3
a gear train (7, 8, 9) collaborating with a flywheel (10). The gear train (7, 8, 9) and the flywheel (10) constitute the regulating organ of the musical module
Data Source
AI summary
Musical module of a movement of a watch, said module comprising a barrel (11), at least one element (5) provided with pins (12), a keyboard (13) with a plurality of blades, a regulator member (7, 8, 9, 10) and a control device (16, 17, 21). The element (5) or each element (5) is a notched disk driven by the barrel (11) by means of at least one pinion (6). The or each notched disk (5) supporting said pins (12) on at least one face, is positionable above or below the keyboard (13) in such a way that the pins (12) engage the blades of the keyboard (13) in order to play a melody. The control device (16, 17, 21) is constructed so as to rotate the notched disk(s) (5) in order to start the tune. The regulator member (7, 8, 9, 10) causes constant rotation of the notched disk(s) (5).