Watch Winder Control Using Oscillator Amplitude Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch winding devices are bulky, expensive, and cause excessive stress on mechanical watches, leading to abnormal wear and frequent maintenance needs, while also being inefficient with energy sources and unsuitable for commercial display.
Innovation Solution
A compact, energy-efficient watch winding device with control means that use sensor means for vibrational, acoustic, or magnetic measurement of the oscillator to regulate motor operation, ensuring the watch is wound only to optimal amplitude, sparing mechanical parts and conserving energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional winding devices rotate the watch around several axes to simulate user movements, then the oscillating mass receives necessary impulses for winding, but the devices become bulky, expensive, and cause disturbance to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential winding function from complex multi-axis rotation mechanisms. Instead of rotating the watch around several axes, the invention uses a simple support that can be placed in a pocket or pouch, utilizing the natural movement of the pocket itself to provide winding impulses. This extracts only the necessary winding capability while eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding device utilizes the natural movement of the user's pocket or pouch as the wind source. The pocket's own movement during normal wear provides the oscillating impulses needed to wind the watch, eliminating the need for external motorized rotation mechanisms. The system serves itself by harnessing the environment in which it is placed.
2Extent of automation
If winding devices program a number of revolutions to carry out winding, then winding can be automated, but the devices wind the barrel more than necessary, leading to overtension in the mainspring and abnormal wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates measuring means that integrate sensor means for vibrational, acoustic, or magnetic measurement of the oscillator. The control means analyzes signals from these sensors to detect when the oscillator's operating amplitude reaches optimal levels, automatically stopping the winding process. This feedback mechanism prevents over-winding and excessive mainspring tension.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of programming a fixed number of revolutions that may exceed requirements, the system uses partial action by stopping winding when sufficient energy is stored. The measuring means detect when the oscillator amplitude indicates adequate winding, and the control means stops the motor at this partial point rather than completing a predetermined full rotation cycle.
3Duration of action of moving object
If existing winding devices are used to maintain watches, then watches can be kept at power reserve, but the devices are inefficient with energy sources and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The control means continuously monitors the oscillator's operating amplitude through sensor means and adjusts motor operation accordingly. The system switches on the motor when amplitude falls below a first minimum value and stops when amplitude exceeds a second maximum value, optimizing energy usage while maintaining power reserve.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time feedback from the oscillator's state. Rather than continuous or fixed-cycle winding, the motor operates intermittently, activating only when the oscillator amplitude indicates insufficient power reserve, and ceasing when optimal levels are reached. This dynamic adaptation maximizes energy efficiency.
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 device maintains watches at maximum power reserve without excessive wear, is cost-effective, and energy-efficient, making it suitable for both personal and commercial use.
Implementation Method 1
sensor means for the vibratory or/and acoustic or/and magnetic measurement of the oscillator
Implementation Method 2
sensor means for the vibratory or/and acoustic or/and magnetic measurement of the oscillator
Implementation Method 3
sensor means for the vibratory or/and acoustic or/and magnetic measurement of the oscillator
Implementation Method 4
at least one energy source arranged to supply energy to at least one motor arranged to either drive the winding crown
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device (1) for winding watches, comprising a support (2) for receiving a watch in the winding position, an energy source (3) supplying a motor (4) arranged to generate a mechanical winding movement. This device (1) comprises control means (100), comprising measuring means (10) with sensor means (20) for the vibratory or/and acoustic or/and magnetic measurement of the oscillator of a watch in winding position, and analyzing signals transmitted by said measuring means (10) and comparing them with configurable setpoint values to regulate the operation of said motor (4) by engaging said motor (4) when the operating amplitude of said oscillator is less than a minimum value, and stopping said motor (4) when the running amplitude of said oscillator is greater than a maximum value.