Mechanical Watch Rate Adjustment via Rocker and Crown Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rate-adjustment mechanisms for mechanical watches are bulky, complex, require precise timing for adjustment, and risk accidental misadjustment, often affecting both time display and rate simultaneously, with limited precision and increased watch bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A device allowing external adjustment of a mechanical watch's rate through a control rod and rocker mechanism, enabling independent correction of the rate without affecting the time display, using a rotating moving part to modify the balance spring's frequency based on angular position, with a connecting gear for precise adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rate adjustment is performed simultaneously with time display correction using the winding stem, then both functions can be adjusted together, but the adjustment range is limited and one parameter cannot be corrected without affecting the other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment function into two independent operations: time display correction via the winding stem, and rate adjustment via a dedicated pusher-operated mechanism. This segmentation allows each function to be adjusted independently without limiting the other, resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a connecting gear mechanism as an intermediary that translates the linear motion of the pusher into rotational motion of the regulating organ. This intermediary enables precise rate adjustment through a dedicated control path, independent of the time correction function.
2Ease of operation
If rate adjustment mechanism is added to the watch, then external rate correction is enabled, but the watch becomes bulkier and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker serves multiple functions: it acts as a control element for engaging/disengaging the rate adjustment mechanism, provides a mechanical stop for the adjusting mobile, and facilitates the transmission of motion. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling external rate adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by having the pusher operate in an axial direction to engage the rocker, which then translates this linear motion into rotational adjustment. This dimensional approach allows compact integration of the adjustment mechanism within the watch's existing structure.
3Ease of operation
If winding stem is used for rate adjustment in a dedicated position, then rate can be adjusted externally, but accidental misadjustment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker provides tactile feedback through its engagement and disengagement positions, and the connecting gear mechanism provides mechanical feedback through gear meshing. These feedback mechanisms give the user clear sensory information about the adjustment state, preventing accidental misadjustment while enabling external rate correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static winding stem position to a dynamic pusher-operated system where the rocker can be engaged or disengaged as needed. This dynamic control allows the user to activate rate adjustment only when intended, reducing accidental misadjustment while maintaining ease of external operation.
4Ease of operation
If adjustment mechanism extends over significant portion of movement surface, then rate adjustment is enabled, but the watch becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The rate adjustment mechanism is nested within the existing watch structure, with the rocker and connecting gear integrated into the movement's available space. The adjusting mobile is positioned to utilize existing structural elements, minimizing the additional surface area required while enabling external 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 precise and safe rate correction of mechanical watches externally, without opening the case, avoiding bulkiness and accidental misadjustment, with direct proportional correction indicated by the minute hand position.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical movement equipped with a regulating organ formed by an inertial mass and a spiral spring
Implementation Method 2
a rotating moving part, defining at least one physical property of the spiral spring, and a regulating organ capable of controlling the angular position of the rotating moving part, so as to be able to act on the spiral spring to modify the frequency of the regulating organ as a function of the angular position of the rotating moving part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a timepiece incorporating a mechanical movement and comprising a device for adjusting its rate, which includes a rotating moving part and an adjusting mobile (4) capable of controlling the angular position of the rotating moving part.The setting device further comprises a rocker (5) equipped with a linking gear (6) and capable of being moved in rotation by a pusher, actuable by a user, between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the setting mobile is kinematically connected, via the linking gear (6), to a mobile (7) of a correction device, comprising a control rod equipped with a crown for actuating this mobile, or to a drive mobile of an indicator which can be driven by the correction device when correcting the data displayed by this indicator, so as to be able to adjust the rate of the timepiece by actuating the pusher, to put the rocker in its engaged position, and the crown in translation, to put the control rod in a given axial correction position, and then by actuating the crown in rotation.