Watch Resonator Guide Using Crossed and Uncrossed Blades

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch movement resonator mechanisms face challenges in achieving sufficient angular travel and isochronism due to the limitations of flexible guides, leading to anisochronism and instability in rotary pivoting, which affects the precision of mechanical watch movements.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a series arrangement of supports and flexible blades, including pairs of uncrossed and crossed blades, is designed to provide sufficient angular travel and isochronism by compensating for non-linear torque-angle relationships, stabilizing the center of mass and reducing anisochronism through opposing parasitic movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If crossed blades are used to achieve sufficient angular travel, then angular travel is improved, but isochronism deteriorates due to non-linear torque-angle relationship

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular travelVSAvoidisochronism

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance device is divided into multiple blade pairs (crossed blades and uncrossed blades) that work together in series. Each blade pair contributes to the overall angular travel while the combination maintains isochronism through complementary torque characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines different blade configurations (crossed and uncrossed) to create a composite guidance structure that leverages the advantages of each type: crossed blades provide angular travel while uncrossed blades contribute to isochronous behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If uncrossed blades are used to achieve isochronism, then isochronism is improved, but angular travel is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveisochronismVSAvoidangular travel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guidance device is divided into multiple blade pairs (crossed blades and uncrossed blades) that work together in series. Each blade pair contributes to the overall angular travel while the combination maintains isochronism through complementary torque characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines different blade configurations (crossed and uncrossed) to create a composite guidance structure that leverages the advantages of each type: crossed blades provide angular travel while uncrossed blades contribute to isochronous behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Length of moving object

If blades cross at midpoints to maximize angular travel, then angular travel is improved, but center of mass stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular travelVSAvoidcenter of mass stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the blade system have different characteristics: crossed blades are positioned to provide angular travel while uncrossed blades are positioned to maintain center of mass stability. Each local region optimizes for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines different blade configurations (crossed and uncrossed) to create a composite guidance structure that leverages the advantages of each type: crossed blades provide angular travel while uncrossed blades contribute to isochronous behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables high-performance flexible blade pivots in watch movement resonator mechanisms, maintaining a stable center of mass and linear return torque, thereby enhancing the precision and accuracy of mechanical watch movements.

Implementation Method 1

a first and a second flexible blade connecting the first support to the second support without crossing, the pair of crossed blades comprising a third and a fourth flexible blade connecting the second support to the third support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3812842B1Device for guiding the pivoting of a pivoting mass and timepiece resonator mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.11.29 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A guiding device (10) for rotating a pivoting mass, particularly for a watch movement, comprising, arranged in series substantially in the same plane, a first support (2), a first pair of uncrossed blades (5, 6), a second support (3), a pair of crossed blades (7, 8), and a third support (4), the pair of uncrossed blades comprising a first (5) and a second (6) flexible blade connecting the first support (2) to the second support (3) without crossing, the pair of crossed blades comprising a third (7) and a fourth (8) flexible blade connecting the second support (3) to the third support (4), the third (7) and fourth (8) flexible blades crossing between the second (3) and the third (4) support.