Watch Regulator Stud Holder Positioning for Hairspring Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical watch mechanisms face challenges in precisely adjusting the oscillation frequency of the pendulum, leading to issues with isochronism and regularity, particularly due to sensitivity to the gauge game and difficulty in mastering precise adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A racketry system is introduced that includes a pendulum bridge with a second piton, allowing the Spiral outlet to be mounted on both pitons. This configuration enables the adjustment of the regulator organ by modifying the position of the leaf holder, which changes the position of the first piton relative to the second piton, thereby modifying the stiffness of the Spiral outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the index system key leaves a clearance to allow the hairspring to move between stops, then the hairspring can move freely, but the chronometric properties become very sensitive to the play in the index key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic clearance/play from the system by introducing a counter-balance system with a second stud that eliminates the play between the index key and the hairspring, while maintaining the necessary movement freedom through the counter-balance mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the connection between the index key and hairspring by introducing a counter-balance system that modifies the stiffness and positioning parameters, eliminating play while preserving operational freedom
2Reliability
If the stops are adjustable to tighten the hairspring to eliminate play, then the play is eliminated, but tightening the hairspring risks constraining it and creating timekeeping defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counter-balance system with a second stud that acts as a counterweight to the hairspring tension, eliminating the need to over-tighten the hairspring while still achieving play elimination and preventing timekeeping defects
3Measurement precision
If the rate is adjusted by moving the index key along the hairspring, then the rate can be fine-tuned, but once the hairspring is tightened the index key can no longer be moved to finish fine-tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system dynamic by introducing a counter-balance system that maintains the hairspring in a state where it can both be tightened to eliminate play and still allow the index key to move for fine-tuning the rate
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
This solution allows for precise adjustment of the watch mechanism, achieving a resolution of less than or equal to 1 second per day, thereby enhancing the isochronism and regularity of the pendulum oscillations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring in the form of a spiral-wound ribbon called a balance spring
Implementation Method 2
an escapement mechanism comprising an anchor driven by a low-amplitude oscillating movement, equipped with two pallets which engage the teeth of an escape wheel
Implementation Method 3
a flywheel called a balance wheel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a regulating organ (1) for a clock movement comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance wheel (23), a balance spring (25), a balance bridge (22) and a regulator system (20) for adjusting the rate of the balance spring (25), the regulator system (20) comprising a stud holder (31) having a first stud (34) on which the balance spring (25) is mounted, characterized in that the balance bridge (33) has a second stud on which the balance spring (25) is also mounted, the stud holder (31) being movable in rotation relative to the balance bridge (33) to regulate the rate of the regulating organ (1).