Universal Watch Preparation Device with Robotic Crown Manipulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watch winding mechanisms are inadequate for quickly correcting gain/loss errors exceeding one minute, especially for time changes or zone changes, and fail to properly index the minute and seconds hands, leading to potential impact noises during oscillatory motions and limited correction capabilities within a day.
Innovation Solution
A universal preparation device with a smart winder mechanism that uses a robotic manipulator to operate a crown for precise gain/loss correction, incorporating a gain/loss correction device with an oscillating resonator and a backlash take-up gear to minimize noise, and a vision system for optical time reading, along with a microphone for frequency evaluation, allowing for rapid adjustment of multiple watches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional gearing is used between electric motor and watch-holder for winding, then the device is economical and low-cost, but impact noises appear during fast back-and-forth oscillatory motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic conventional gearing from the system and replaces it with a direct-drive mechanism. The electric motor is directly coupled to the watch-holder without intermediate gears, eliminating the source of impact noises while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gearing system with a direct electromagnetic drive. The electric motor directly drives the oscillatory motion of the watch-holder, substituting the mechanical transmission system that caused impact noises with a smoother electromagnetic actuation.
2Measurement precision
If oscillatory motion method is used for gain/loss correction, then small variations in rate can be corrected, but gain/loss errors of more than one minute cannot be corrected in less than one day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic correction system that adapts its method based on the magnitude of error. For large gain/loss errors exceeding one minute, the system dynamically switches to rapid crown manipulation to quickly adjust the time, then transitions to fine oscillatory motions for precise rate tuning, optimizing both speed and precision at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic oscillatory motions at controlled frequencies to gradually correct rate variations. By applying periodic adjustments through the crown manipulation mechanism, the system can accumulate corrective action over time to address large gain/loss errors while maintaining precision through controlled oscillation cycles.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional winding mechanism is used, then continuous rotation is achieved, but oscillatory motions up to 10 Hz cause impact noises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic drive system that can smoothly transition between continuous rotation mode for winding and high-frequency oscillatory mode for rate correction. The direct-drive mechanism allows the motor to dynamically adjust its motion profile, maintaining continuous rotation when winding is needed while enabling controlled oscillations up to 10 Hz without impact noises during rate adjustment.
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 quick correction of large gain/loss errors, precise indexing of watch hands, and efficient energy management, ensuring watches are accurately set and charged, with the ability to correct up to ±30 seconds in one night, while minimizing noise and wear on the mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating resonator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency
Implementation Method 2
a vision system for optical time reading
Implementation Method 3
a microphone for frequency evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
A universal device is for preparation of a watch with a gain/loss correction crown and an oscillating resonator. The device includes winding and a gain/loss corrector with a robotic manipulator for manoeuvring the crown. It also includes an adjustment device with a gain/loss correction device including a gain/loss-corrector oscillator generating an oscillation to subject the watch to an oscillation at a correction frequency NC and/or to a modulated movement. The gain/loss correction device includes a gain/loss controller that controls the oscillation of the gain/loss-corrector oscillator, interfaced with a device to measure the gain/loss of the watch. The gain/loss correction device also includes an automatic winder with a watch-holder stand subjected to the oscillations or movements generated by the gain/loss-corrector oscillator.