Watch Resonator Rigidity Adjustment via Flexible Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical watch resonator mechanisms face challenges in achieving precise adjustments of rigidity, leading to limited precision in timekeeping, as traditional adjustment methods are not fine enough to accurately modify the resonator's frequency.
Innovation Solution
A rotary resonator mechanism with a flexible guide and oscillating weight, featuring a flexible element in series with the guide, allows for precise adjustment of rigidity by applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element, which modifies the overall resonator's rigidity without affecting the guide's rigidity, thereby fine-tuning the timekeeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional adjustment means (racket) are used to modify the effective length of the hairspring, then the rigidity can be adjusted, but the adjustment precision is limited to a few seconds or tens of seconds per day
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the adjustment function into two independent parts: the flexible guide maintains the resonator's structural integrity and primary flexibility, while the separate flexible element provides fine-tuning capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the flexible element offering precise adjustment through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the flexible element by applying variable force or torque, which modifies its rigidity parameter dynamically. This allows continuous adjustment of the resonator's frequency by changing the flexibility of the element without altering the overall structure, achieving precision beyond traditional discrete adjustment methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If screws are arranged in the rim of the balance to modify inertia, then the adjustment range is large, but the fineness of adjustment is not precise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fine-adjustment function from the balance rim screws and places it in the flexible element suspended from the rigid part. This separates the coarse adjustment (still available through screws) from the fine adjustment (provided by the flexible element's rigidity modification), allowing both large range and high precision to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element acts as an intermediary between the rigid structure and the oscillating mass, providing a smooth, continuous adjustment mechanism. By applying force to this intermediate element, the system achieves fine control over the resonator's frequency without the discontinuous steps inherent in screw-based adjustment methods.
3Measurement precision
If a flexible element is added in series with the flexible guide to enable precise adjustment, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support, provides the adjustment mechanism, and maintains the suspension of the rigid part. By combining these functions into a single element, the invention avoids the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall complexity while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element introduces dynamic adjustability to the otherwise static rigid structure. Its ability to deform under applied force provides a continuous range of rigidity values, enabling precise frequency tuning without requiring multiple discrete components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 enables precise adjustment of the resonator's frequency, improving timekeeping accuracy by allowing modification of the resonator's rigidity through a single element, resulting in greater precision and finer control over the watch's rate.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible element arranged in series with the flexible guide, the flexible element being connected by one hand to the rigid part of the flexible guide and on the other hand to an immobile support... pre-stressing means for applying a variable force or torque on the flexible element or the flexible guide so as to varying the rigidity of the flexible element
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~12
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotating resonator mechanism (60), particularly for watchmaking, comprising a flexible guide (5) and an oscillating mass (2), the flexible guide (5) comprising two main flexible blades (4, 6) and a rigid part (7), the main flexible blades (4, 6) being joined on one side to the rigid part (7) of the flexible guide (5) and on the other side to the oscillating mass (2), the resonator mechanism (60) comprising means for adjusting the rigidity of the resonator mechanism (60), the adjustment means comprising a flexible element connected on one side to the rigid part (7) of the flexible guide (5) and on the other side to a fixed support (11), so that the flexible guide (5) is suspended by the flexible element (12), the flexible guide (5) and the flexible element (12) extending substantially in the same plane to allow the oscillating mass (2) to perform a rotary movement about a virtual pivot,The adjustment means further include preload means (15) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (12) or the flexible guide (5), so as to vary the rigidity of the flexible element (12). The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a resonator mechanism (1).