Parallel Power Accumulation Switching for Watch Movement Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically controlled mechanical watches face challenges in size increase due to the addition of additional power generators and power accumulation devices, which affect the movement and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switch mechanism that couples and decouples a second power accumulation device with a first power accumulation device based on the mechanical energy of the mainspring, allowing efficient energy distribution and storage without the need for additional power generators, thereby maintaining accurate timekeeping and reducing movement size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If an additional power generator and power accumulation device are provided to extend duration, then the duration of operation is extended, but the movement size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the additional power accumulation device with the existing power accumulation device through a switch mechanism. The second power accumulation device is coupled in parallel to the first power accumulation device via a switch, allowing both devices to share the same spatial footprint and circuit architecture rather than requiring completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch mechanism enables the second power accumulation device to serve multiple functions: it can accumulate electrical energy independently, discharge to supplement power during low mechanical energy conditions, and be integrated with the first power accumulation device to form a combined power system. This multi-functionality allows extended operation without proportionally increasing movement size.
2Reliability
If additional power accumulation devices are added to maintain operation at low energy levels, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between power accumulation devices based on real-time mechanical energy levels. The control unit monitors the mechanical energy amount and dynamically controls the switch state to connect or disconnect the second power accumulation device, creating an adaptive power management system that responds to changing energy conditions rather than operating statically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a detection unit that continuously monitors the mechanical energy amount accumulated in the mainspring and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to make informed decisions about when to activate the second power accumulation device, ensuring reliable operation while avoiding unnecessary complexity from constant monitoring and switching.
3Productivity
If the switch is controlled to couple power accumulation devices based on mechanical energy amount, then energy management efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control mechanism where the detection unit automatically detects the mechanical energy amount and the control unit automatically controls the switch state based on predetermined thresholds. The system monitors its own energy state and autonomously manages power distribution without requiring external intervention or complex manual control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the switch state by comparing the detected mechanical energy amount against predetermined threshold values. When the mechanical energy amount falls below a first predetermined value, the switch is turned on to couple the second power accumulation device; when it exceeds a second predetermined value, the switch is turned off. This parameter-based control simplifies the decision logic while improving energy management efficiency.
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 extends the duration of accurate speed regulation and timekeeping, prevents wasteful discharging, and enhances design freedom by utilizing existing power generators, ensuring efficient energy management and maintaining operation even at reduced mechanical energy levels.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator configured to convert the mechanical energy of the mainspring to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a first power accumulation device configured to accumulate the electrical energy of the power generator and supply the electrical energy to the control unit
Implementation Method 3
a second power accumulation device coupled to the first power accumulation device in parallel via a switch and configured to accumulate the electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically controlled mechanical watch includes a mainspring, a speed regulator that controls a rotation cycle of a wheel train, a control unit that controls the speed regulator, a power generator, a first power accumulation device, a second power accumulation device that is coupled to the first power accumulation device in parallel via a switch, and a detection unit that detects a mechanical energy amount accumulated in the mainspring. In a case in which the switch is in an off state, when it is detected that the mechanical energy amount exceeds a first set value, the control unit controls the switch from the off state to an on state. In a case in which the switch is in the on state, when it is detected that the mechanical energy amount falls below a second set value, the control unit controls the switch from the on state to the off state.