Watch Regulator Assembly With Locked Stud Holder for Fine Rate Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watch mechanisms face challenges in precisely adjusting the balance spring rate without altering the reference mark, as standard regulator systems are incompatible with balance spring adjustment mechanisms, and fine adjustments are difficult due to sensitivity to play and misalignment, leading to chronometric errors.
Innovation Solution
A regulating organ with locking means that lock the second part of the stud holder in position relative to the movement plate, allowing precise adjustment of the balance spring rate without misaligning the reference mark, using a racket system with eccentrics and locking mechanisms to ensure stability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balance spring is tightened to eliminate play, then the chronometric stability improves, but the rate cannot be fine-tuned and stress on the spring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stud holder is divided into two separate parts: a first part that remains fixed to maintain the reference mark position and eliminate play, and a second part that can rotate independently to enable rate fine-tuning. This segmentation allows the balance spring to be tightened without losing adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the stud holder is positioned within or alongside the first part, with the balance spring connecting both parts. The rotating second part nests into the fixed first part's structure, allowing independent rotation while maintaining the overall assembly's stability and reference mark alignment.
2Measurement precision
If the regulator key is moved to adjust the rate, then the timekeeping precision improves, but the reference mark may become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The stud holder is segmented into a fixed first part that maintains reference mark alignment and a movable second part that enables rate adjustment. By keeping the first part stationary while allowing the second part to rotate, the system achieves precise rate tuning without disrupting reference mark positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the stud holder acts as an intermediary between the balance spring and the rate adjustment mechanism. It transmits rotational movement for fine-tuning while the fixed first part ensures reference mark stability, mediating between adjustment needs and alignment requirements.
3Device complexity
If a traditional regulator system is used, then the structure is simple, but it is incompatible with balance spring adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional regulator system is modified by segmenting the stud holder into two parts, maintaining overall structural simplicity while enabling compatibility with balance spring adjustment mechanisms. The fixed first part preserves the traditional structure's simplicity, while the added rotating second part provides the necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud holder transitions from a static, single-piece structure to a dynamic two-part system where the second part can rotate independently. This dynamic modification enables compatibility with balance spring adjustment mechanisms while the fixed first part maintains structural simplicity.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a regulating organ (40) for a watch movement comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance wheel (23), a balance spring (25), and a regulator system (60) for adjusting the rate of the balance spring (25), the regulator system (60) comprising a stud holder (51) comprising a first part (52) and a second part (53), the first part (52) being movable relative to the second part (53), characterized in that the regulating organ (40) comprises locking means configured to lock the second part (33) of the stud holder (51) in a position relative to a plate (21) of the movement.