Watch Speed Regulation via Elastic Energy Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical watches face accuracy issues due to anisochronism, where the oscillator's frequency varies with amplitude, leading to inconsistent timekeeping as the driving member unwinds, and existing solutions do not adequately address this problem.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that adjusts the average angular speed in a watch movement by using an oscillator and an escape wheel interacting through an intermediate device with elastic means, which store and consistently supply energy to maintain constant oscillation amplitude, reducing anisochronism's impact on accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional escapement mechanism is used without elastic means, then the structure is simpler, but the oscillation amplitude varies as the driving member unwinds, causing accuracy deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate device with elastic means (spring) between the escape wheel and the oscillator. This intermediary stores energy during part of the cycle and releases it to maintain consistent oscillation amplitude, resolving the contradiction by adding a mediating element that stabilizes performance without fundamentally changing the escapement's basic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means change the energy delivery parameter over time within each cycle, storing energy when the anchor is in one position and releasing it when in another. This parameter variation compensates for the decreasing torque from the unwinding driving member, maintaining constant oscillation amplitude and improving timekeeping accuracy
2Duration of action of moving object
If the driving member is a spring that gradually disarms, then the watch can operate for extended periods, but the torque decreases over time causing oscillation amplitude to decrease and accuracy to worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means ensure continuous and consistent energy delivery to the oscillator throughout the unwinding period. By storing energy when available and releasing it when needed, the system maintains uninterrupted and uniform oscillation amplitude, eliminating the degradation that would otherwise occur as the spring unwinds
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means transform the decreasing torque parameter from the unwinding spring into a constant energy delivery parameter to the oscillator. The spring's variable output is converted through elastic storage and release into consistent oscillation energy, maintaining accuracy throughout the operating duration
3Reliability
If the anchor uses a single stable position, then the structure is simpler, but the energy transfer to the oscillator is inconsistent, causing amplitude variation
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed with two stable positions rather than one, allowing it to dynamically switch between positions during operation. This dynamic behavior enables the elastic means to be alternately loaded and released, creating consistent periodic energy transfer to the oscillator while maintaining a relatively simple bistable structure
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 maintains constant oscillation amplitude and accuracy over time, regardless of the driving member's winding state, minimizing the adverse effects of anisochronism and ensuring precise timekeeping.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate device comprises elastic means arranged to store substantially entirely, by elastic deformation, said quantity of energy
Data Source
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AI summary
Mechanism for regulating average speed in a clock movement. In this mechanism, an intermediate device (9, 23, 24) is provided to connect an oscillator (3) and an escape wheel (30) so that a quantity of energy is transmitted from the escape wheel (30) to the oscillator (3) at each cycle. This intermediate device (9, 23, 24) includes elastic means (21) arranged to store substantially all of the energy by elastic deformation. The intermediate device (9, 23, 24) is configured so that its elastic means (21) supply substantially the same quantity of energy to the oscillator (3) at each cycle. The invention also relates to a method for regulating average speed in a clock movement.