Watch Rate and Display Correction via Electrostatic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic winders for mechanical or automatic watches do not correct the rate or state of display, leading to continuous and uncontrolled time drift when the watch is left on the winder for an extended period.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a master oscillator to generate excitation oscillation at a frequency close to the nominal frequency of the watch's basic oscillator, combined with a state of display correction oscillator, to adjust the rate and correct the state of display of the watch without disassembling it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If automatic winder is used to wind mechanical or automatic watches, then the watch is kept wound and operational, but the rate and state of display continue to drift uncontrollably over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the watch's rate and state of display, comparing them against reference values, and automatically applying corrections through electrostatic actuation of the balance wheel and display mechanism to maintain accurate timekeeping
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the watch to self-correct its own rate and display errors automatically without requiring manual intervention, using electrostatic fields to adjust the balance wheel oscillations and display element positions based on real-time measurements
2Manufacturing precision
If electrostatic actuation is used to correct balance wheel oscillations, then the rate can be adjusted with high precision, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electrostatic actuation, using electric fields to directly influence the balance wheel's oscillations and display element positions, thereby achieving high-precision control without complex mechanical linkages
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
The solution effectively stabilizes the rate of the watch to a variation of less than 1 second per day and corrects state of display errors, ensuring accurate timekeeping without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a master oscillator arranged to generate excitation oscillation at an excitation frequency which is approximately equal to, or equal to a nominal frequency, or to an integer multiple of said nominal frequency
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic actuation of the balance wheel and display mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Method for adjusting the rate of a basic oscillator of a watch arranged to oscillate at a nominal frequency N0, with a master oscillator generating an excitation frequency NE approximately equal to an integer multiple of this nominal frequency N0, the master oscillator subjecting the watch to excitation or a modulated motion during a transition phase after which the basic oscillator is stabilised at the excitation frequency NE, and a state of display correction method with a winder for mechanical or automatic watches, moving a support carrying the watch and comprising a state of display correction oscillator, having a lower variation of rate value than the initial variation of rate value DI of this basic oscillator, and oscillating at a correction frequency NC to impose oscillation or a motion on the watch, during a state of display correction phase whose duration is adjusted to exactly correct a state of display error measured at the initial moment of actuation.