Watch Regulating Device Dual Anchor Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing constant force devices in mechanical watchmaking suffer from weak safeties, imbalance in unlocking torque management, inefficiency, lack of self-starting capability, and sensitivity to adjustments due to low torques and defects.
Innovation Solution
A watch movement with a regulating device featuring a winding wheel, output wheel, control cam, and elastic member, utilizing two distinct anchors to alternately block and release the winding wheel, with a control cam profile optimizing operating safety and efficiency, and a drive mechanism to ensure operation even when energy source torque is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single anchor is used to block and release the winding wheel, then the device structure is simple, but the operating safety is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The single anchor is divided into two separate anchors that alternately block and release the winding wheel. This segmentation allows one anchor to be in the blocking phase while the other prepares for release, creating overlapping safety margins and ensuring continuous control over the winding wheel's operation.
2Productivity
If the barrel spring force is insufficient to wind the constant force device spring, then the mechanism stops, but this prevents full power reserve utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The two anchors are positioned and pre-loaded on the control cam profile before the winding wheel needs to be released. The control cam geometry is designed so that the anchors are already in optimal positions to immediately block or release the winding wheel as needed, eliminating delays and ensuring the mechanism can restart even with minimal barrel spring force.
3Power
If anchors are designed to follow control cam profile, then unlocking torque management is improved, but friction sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam profile is designed with specific geometric parameters that optimize the pressure angle between the anchor and the cam surface. By carefully selecting the cam profile curvature and anchor contact point positioning, the system maintains favorable pressure angles throughout the motion cycle, reducing friction losses while ensuring reliable torque transmission for unlocking.
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
Delivers a smooth torque to the escapement, compensates for torque variations, improves safety, optimizes consumption, and allows the full power reserve to be used, with reduced sensitivity to friction and the ability to self-start.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member comprising a first end secured to the winding wheel and a second end secured to the output wheel, said elastic member being arranged to be periodically armed by storing energy supplied by the energy source when said winding wheel is released by the locking device, and to restore the energy to the output wheel by disarming when said winding wheel is blocked by the locking device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a power source, intended to deliver a driving force to a train, and a regulating device (1) for regulating the driving force arranged downstream of the power source, said regulating device (1) comprising a winding wheel (2) arranged to be able to be driven by the power source periodically during normal operation of the movement, an output wheel (8) arranged to power the train, at least one control wheel set (12) comprising a control cam (14) secured to a control wheel (16) kinematically connected to the output wheel (8), a locking device for the winding wheel (2) controlled by said control cam (14) to block said winding wheel (2) and release it periodically, and an elastic member (18) comprising a first end secured to the winding wheel (2) and a second end secured to the output wheel (8),said elastic member (18) being arranged to be armed periodically by storing energy supplied by the energy source when said winding wheel (2) is released by the locking device, and to restore the energy to the output wheel (8) by disarming when said winding wheel (2) is blocked by the locking device. According to the invention, the locking device comprises two anchors (20, 22) distinct from one another, each being arranged to follow the profile of the control cam (14) in order to cooperate or not with the winding wheel (2), said profile of the control cam (14) comprising an alternation of lifts (24) and hollows (26) configured to control said anchors (20, 22) so that one can block then release the winding wheel (2) alternately with the other.