BULETINUL INSTITUTULUI POLITEHNIC DIN IAŞI

Publicat de
Universitatea Tehnică „Gheorghe Asachi” din Iaşi
Tomul LVII (LXI), Fasc. 5, 2011
Secţia
CONSTRUCŢII DE MAŞINI

SOLID MODELING AND MOTION STUDY OF

CHRONOMETER DETENT ESCAPEMENT MECHANISM
BY

BRANISLAV POPKONSTANTINOVIC1, MARIJA OBRADOVIC2,

BRANKO MALESEVIC3 and ZORANA JELI1

Abstract. Theory of clock, watch and chronometer escapements is important

and interesting part of theory of mechanisms and kinematics. Despite the fact that
chronometer escapements are invented in past times, from the viewpoint of
kinematics and machine theory, these mechanisms represent the jewel treasuries
of knowledge and engineering wisdom. This paper considers and discloses
operational principles and constructive geometry of Thomas Earnshaw‟s
chronometer detent escapement. Moreover, process of 3D solid modeling, and
assembling of all escapement parts, as well as the motion study and simulation of
escapement operational cycle are presented and explained. This analysis and
considerations enlighten not just the kinematical properties and characteristic of
one particular chronometer escapement type, but also clarify and illuminate the
process of computer aided mechanism design, construction and motion analysis.
Key words: chronometer, detent escapement, kinematics, mechanism,
motion simulation, solid modeling.

1. Introduction

Escapement is the clock or watch mechanism that executes the following

two different and equally important functions:
a) Regulative: it regulates the speed of the watch main movement. The
escapement, controlled by the oscillations of the balance wheel (oscillator),
allows the gears of the watch mechanism to advance or 'escape' a fixed amount
with each periodic balance wheel‟s swing and thus to move the timepiece's
hands forward and at a steady rate.
b) Impulsive: it maintains the balance wheel oscillations and keeps its amplitude
constant. Since the oscillatory motion of the balance wheel (coupled with the
hair-spring) is dumped, the escapement retrieves and compensates the
56 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

oscillator‟s dissipated energy by delivering it a small impulse (push) with each

swing.
If time-keepers (watches or clocks) had been equipped with free harmonic
oscillators they would have performed harmonic oscillations with the constant
swing period (frequency). Since the real watch balance wheels always perform
dumped and driven oscillations, they can not preserve unalterable frequency
standard. Despite the fact that ideal watch oscillator can not be constructed, it
can serve as the pattern of perfection to which we aspire. Thomas Earnshaw
(1749-1829), an English celebrated watchmaker, devised a modification to the
chronometer escapement in such a way that his solution almost achieved the
desired and aforementioned ideal.
Thomas Earnshaw‟s escapement (Fig. 1) has the following important
characteristics:
a) Balance wheel (oscillator) is almost free from the escapement influence and
thus independent from the interference by the main gear train. In accordance to
this, Thomas Earnshaw‟s escapement belongs to the escapement group named
as „detached‟. Balance wheel coupled with detached escapement performs
almost free harmonic oscillations.
b) Escapement wheel is locked on a stone (jewel) carried in a detent. Impulse is
given by the teeth of the escapement wheel (when a tooth is unlocked) to a
pallet on the balance staff in every alternate swing of the balance wheel. Instead
as a pivoted lever, the detent is designed and constructed as a blade spring and
consequently does not require lubrication.
Geometry and kinematics of the escapement teeth and impulse pallet are
designed in such a way that they also do not need lubrication. This feature is of
greatest importance for the stability of the balance wheel oscillations and
uniform chronometer‟s going rate.
This paper discloses and explains the constructive geometry and operational
principles of Thomas Earnshaw‟s chronometer detent escapement. In addition,
process of 3D solid modeling and assembling of all escapement parts, as well as
the motion study and dynamical simulation of escapement operational cycle are
also presented and explained in this paper.

2. Operational principles and constructive geometry

All parts of the Thomas Earnshaw‟s chronometer detent escapement are

shown on Fig. 1. Escapement wheel (1) is meshed with the last gear of the
chronometer main gear train and receives the energy from the twisted
mainspring.
Balance wheel (B) performs torsion oscillations with a rotational motion
about the axis of the helical spring (S). Rotation of the escapement wheel (1) is
blocked by the locking pallet (10) until the discharging pallet (5) pushes the
gold (passing) spring (9) supported by the horn of detent (11).
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 57

Fig. 1 - All parts of the Thomas Earnshaw‟s chronometer detent

escapement mechanism

As is shown on Fig. 1, discharging event occurs during the period of time in

which balance wheel (B) rotates in positive (counterclockwise) direction. As the
balance moves, the discharging pallet (5) on the balance staff engages the spring
(9) and moves the detent blade (8) until the locking stone (10) releases the
wheel tooth. At that precise moment, one tooth of the escapement wheel (1)
drops (escapes) and the next in advance engages the impulse pallet (3), which is
a jewel fastened into the impulse roller. As the balance wheel (B) proceeds the
wheel tooth continues to push the pallet (3), and after the short movement the
detent (8) is released and drops back to rest. Now, in the rest position, detent
locking stone (10) is ready to lock the nest tooth. The wheel tooth continues to
58 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

push on the pallet (3) until the tooth drops off, and the appropriate tooth is
locked on the detent locking stone (10). On its return, the balance wheel (B)
rotates clockwise and comes against the gold (passing) spring (9) through the
discharging pallet (5) again, but on the opposite site. However, as the balance
wheel (B) proceeds, instead of lifting the detent (8) the passing spring (9) gives
way, and as the balance continues rotation the passing spring (9) is released.
This is particularly important for the proper operation of the escapement since
no push or impulse is given to the locking stone (10) and discharge roller (4)
during the clockwise rotation of the balance wheel (B). This is the description of
one complete escapement working cycle which repeats indefinitely long.
After the explanation of the operational principles, the escapement
constructive geometry (Fig. 2) will be disclosed and described. As usual, some
parameters are known, some can be assumed more or less freely, but the rest of
them must be strictly determined. The escapement wheel typically has 15 teeth
and angular distance between them is 240, although wheels of 12, 14 or 16 teeth
are not uncommon. Angle between EO and detent line is 450. Let it be assumed
the escape wheel diameter dE=120 mm and the detent line length ld = 130 mm.
The distance between center E and detent line should be a little bit longer than
escape wheel radius and is assumed as l = 65 mm. For the reason of safe
mashing between impulse pallet and escapement teeth, the impulse pallet drop
of at least 10 on each side of the pallet must be defined. Consequently, the
escapement wheel rotates by 22º (24º less 2º for drop) during impulse. After all
these assumptions and considerations, the diameter of the impulse pallet circle
Di is determined by the simple geometrical construction in Solid Works sketch,
as is shown on Fig 2. Let us now determine the diameters Dd of the discharge
pallet‟s circle and length of the detent R. If we assume that the discharging
pallet rotates by 30º, and the detent rotates by 2º, during discharge, Dd and R can
be also determined geometrically as is shown on Fig. 2. The position p and
length q of the locking pallet are found from the disposition of the escapement
tooth and detent angular displacement.
The most important advantage that the Chronometer Escapement has over
all other watch escapements is that lubrication of the escape wheel teeth is not
required: the balance's impulse pallet and the escape tooth appear to roll
together rather than to slide across one another, so there is much less friction in
the Chronometer escapement. Since the lubricant may change viscosity as the
lubricate the escapement unless necessary: since the Chronometer escapement
has a much lower friction loss, the ability to make it run dry would result in a
more consistent timekeeper.
At the end of this chapter, it is important to emphasize that this constructive
geometry can be modified, optimized and finally adjusted by the dynamical
analysis which will be obtained by the motion study of the complete
escapement mechanism.
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 59

Fig. 2 – Thomas Earnshaw‟s chronometer escapement constructive geometry

3. 3D solid modelling and parts assembling

In succession to the explanation of operational principles and constructive

geometry of the chronometer escapement, now the process of its 3D solid
modelling and assembling can be accomplished easily. These methods and
procedures have been completed in application “Solid Works 2010” and will be
described, demonstrated and explained here briefly.
As is usual for the method of 3D solid modelling, all chronometers‟ parts
and components have been created separately, in accordance with the
constructive geometry defined in especial sketches. Part modelling is
accomplished by the set of Solid Works commands designated as “Features”
(Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, and Loft) which can be realized as a base, a boss, or
a cut. By the Commands “Extruded Boss/Base”, “Revolved Boss/Base”, “Swept
60 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

Boss/Base”, and “Lofted Boss/Base”, material is added and by the Commands

“Extruded Cut”, “Revolved Cut”, “Swept Cut”, and “Lofted Cut” material is
removed on different and specific ways. Moreover, part modelling comprises
the materials specification, including their physical properties and visual
appearance. Physical properties are particularly important for dynamical
behaviour and proper motion study of complete mechanism. Solid Works 3D
part modelling of the chronometer escapement wheel is chosen and illustrated
on Fig. 3 as an example for this method. All other escapement components have
been modelled on similar way and they are shown and enumerated on Fig. 4.
According to this figure, complete chronometer escapement mechanism is
composed of:
a) Escapement Wheel
b) Impulse Roller
c) Balance Wheel and Discharge Roller
d) Balance Wheel Thermal Compensation
e) Helical Spring
f) Gold (Passing) Spring
g) Detent
h) Locking Pallet (Jewel Stone)
i) Discharging Pallet (Jewel Stone)
j) Impulse Pallet (Jewel Stone)
k) Chronometer Mechanism Frame
Regarding the constructive geometry and kinematical principles of the
chronometer escapement, all above specified parts have been collected and
assembled in one functional mechanism.
In general, Complex assemblies consist of many components, which can be
parts or other assemblies, called sub-assemblies. It is important to emphasize
that adding a component (part or sub-assembly) to an assembly creates a link
between the assembly and the component. Thus, when the Solid Works
application opens the assembly, it finds the component file to show it in the
assembly. Changes in the component are automatically reflected in the
assembly. Assembly of the complete chronometer escapement mechanism
inside of the Solid Works 2010 application is shown on Fig. 5. Part assembling
is based on the concept of “Mates” which create geometric relationships
between assembly components. Moreover, mates define the allowable directions
of linear or rotational motion of the parts, or components degrees of freedom.
Each component can be moved within its degrees of freedom, visualizing the
assembly's behavior. As it can be seen from Fig. 5, mates are grouped by 3
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 61

Fig. 3 - Solid Works 2010: escapement wheel 3D part modelling

62 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

Fig. 4 – Solid Works 2010: Parts (components) of the chronometer

escapement

categories: standard, advanced and mechanical. Standard mates define

geometrical relations between elements (coincident, parallel, perpendicular,
tangent, concentric, distance or angle). For instance, a coincident mate forces
two planar faces to become coplanar. The faces can move along one another,
but cannot be pulled apart. A concentric mate forces two cylindrical faces to
become concentric. The faces can move along the common axis, but cannot be
moved away from this axis. Advanced mates can force two entities to be
symmetric about the plane or planar face (Symmetric mate), center a tab within
the width of a groove (Width mate), establish a relationship between the
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 63

Fig. 5 - Solid Works 2010: the chronometer escapement assembly

64 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

translation of one component and the translation of another component

(Linear/Linear Coupler), constrain a selected point on a component to a path
(Path mate), or allow components to move within a range of values for distance
and angle mates (Limit mates). Mechanical mates can be: Cam, Gear, Rack and
Pinion, Screw and Universal Joint, and they model kinematical linkages
between elements of mechanisms.
All parts of the Thomas Earnshaw‟s chronometer detent escapement are
assembled by the using of standard mates exclusively. This approach is suitable
for the motion study and dynamical analysis since it well describes the real
process of the mechanism assemblage. This fact is important and will be
explained more detailed and thoroughly in next chapter. The creation of
assembly has been started by adding the chronometer frame as the first and
immovable component of the mechanism. Balance and escapement wheels have
been connected to the frame by the positioning their axles concentric with
related bearings. Two thermal compensation segments have been attached to the
balance wheel inner surface firmly. Helical spring has been fastened to the
balance wheel and the frame (mate - coincident) in such a way that its axis is
collinear with the axis of balance wheel. Detent assemblage has been created by
connecting the detent blade to the detent foot so that it can rotate freely about
the detent foot axle. It is important to note that physical properties of the helical
spring and detent blade (elasticity, spring constant, damping coefficient) can not
been modeled in the assembly. These important properties will be modeled
later, at the beginning of the Motion Study simulation. Finally, the mechanism
assembly has been completed by adding three pallets: the impulse, the locking
and the discharging jewel stones. They have been attached firmly to the correct
positions already shown on Fig 1. Complete chronometer escapement
mechanism is shown on Fig. 6 both in horizontal (Top) and isometric projection
and is ready for the motion study and dynamical analysis.

4. Motion study

Generally speaking, Solid Works motion studies are graphical simulations

of motion for assembly models. Motion studies do not change an assembly
model or its properties, but they simulate and animate the motion that is
prescribed for a model. Motion study has a timeline-based interface named
“Motion Manager” that includes the following motion study tools: Animation,
Basic Motion and Motion Analysis.
Animation is available in core of the Solid Works application and it can be
used to animate the simple motion of assemblies by adding motors to drive the
motion of one or more parts of an assembly or by prescribing the positions of
assembly components at various times using set key points. Animation uses
interpolation to define the motion of assembly components between key points.
Basic Motion is also available in the core of the Solid Works application
and it can be used for approximating the effects of motors, springs, contact, and
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 65

Fig. 6 - Horizontal and isometric projection of the chronometer escapement

mechanism
66 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

gravity on assemblies. Despite the fact that Basic Motion takes mass into
account, its computation is relatively fast and thus can be used for creating
presentation-worthy animations applying physics-based simulations.
Motion Analysis is available with the Solid Works application “Motion
TM” add-in to Solid Works Premium. It can be applied for accurate simulation
and analysis of the motion elements effects (including forces, springs, dampers,
and friction) on an assembly. Among other above mentioned tools, Motion
Analysis is the most complex one since it uses computationally strong
kinematics solvers, and accounts for material properties as well as mass and
inertia in the computations. Moreover, it can be applied to plot simulation
results for further analysis. Since Motion Analysis describes dynamical
behaviour most accurately and generates the simulation results closest to reality,
this tool has been exclusively chosen for the dynamical analysis and simulation
of the chronometer escapement mechanism.
Graphics environment for the Solid Works Motion Study of the Thomas
Earnshaw‟s chronometer detent escapement is shown on Fig. 7. The graphics
section is split horizontally into upper and lower area. Upper area displays the
assembly model and the lower area is divided into three sections: the Motion
Manager Toolbar across the top, the Motion Manager Design Tree on the left,
and the timeline with the key points and the time bar on the right.
The Motion Manager Toolbar has the following functions:
a) Motors: Rotary or Linear Motors (actuators) are simulation elements that
move components in an assembly by simulating the effects of various types of
motors. This function has not been used in the motion study of the chronometer
escapement.
b) Gravity: Simulates a gravitational force. It is defined by the Directional
Reference as well as by the Numeric gravity value. Since gravity does not have
any significant influence to the behaviour of the escapement mechanism, it has
been eliminated from its dynamical analysis.
c) Springs: Linear or Torsion Spring simulates the effects of various types of
springs. Besides the Free Length (Angle φ), spring (k) and damping constant
(c), these effects must be described by Exponent of Spring (e) and Damper (d)
Force Expression. In particular, this function has been used for the simulation of
chronometer‟s helical spring (Fig. 4-5), gold (passing) spring (Fig. 4-6), and
detent (blade of detent) (Fig. 4-7). Parameters settings for the simulation of the
helical and gold spring, as well as for the detent blade are shown in Table 1.

Table 1
Parameters settings for the Motion Manager Spring Function
φ [deg] k [mm/deg] c [N mm/(deg/s)] e d
Helical Spring 180 0.1 0.002 1 1
Gold Spring 0 15.0 0.05 1 1
Detent Blade 0 0.05 0.0001 1 1
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 67

Fig. 7 - Solid Works 2010: Graphics environment for the Motion Study of the
Thomas Earnshaw‟s chronometer detent escapement
68 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

d) Dampers: Linear or Torsion Damper simulates the effects of dumping or

energy dissipation. It must be defined by Dumper End Points, Dumping
Constant, and Exponent of Damper Force Expression. Due to the fact that
dumping characteristics are already incorporated into the spring simulation
function, dumpers have not been used separately in this motion study.
e) Forces: Applied forces (Linear force or Torque) in Solid Works Motion
Manager define loads and compliances on parts so that they move in certain
directions. Besides the type and its parameter values, forces can be defined by
mathematical expressions. Relating to the escapement mechanism, it has
already been mentioned that escapement wheel (Fig. 4-1), receives the energy
from the twisted chronometer‟s mainspring. Actually, constant torque M acts on
the escapement wheel. It has been set to the value M = 25 N mm.
f) Contact: Forces can be generated between contacting components, or
components can be constrained to touch continually. Contact can also be
defined to prevent the components from passing through each other during the
motion analysis. In particular, this motion study models and simulates four
different contacts: between escapement wheel teeth and impulse pallet,
escapement wheel teeth and locking pallet, detent and gold spring, and between
discharging pallet and gold spring. The material of the escapement wheel is
steel, and of all pallets ruby (corundum). Since the lubrication of the escape
wheel teeth is not required, the static and kinetic friction coefficients have been
chosen to simulate dry friction.
As is shown on Fig. 7, the Motion Manager Design tree (lower area, on the
left) includes: orientation and Camera Views settings, the Lights, Cameras, and
Scene folder, the component entities that appear in the Solid Works Feature
Manager design tree, and any simulation elements such as motors, forces, or
springs that are added.
The timeline is the temporal interface for animation. It is located to the right
of the Motion Manager design tree and displays the times and types of
animation events in the motion study. The timeline is divided by vertical grid
lines corresponding to numerical markers showing the time. The entity that
corresponds to defined assembly component positions, visual properties, or
simulation element states is a Key point, and the area between key points, which
can be any length of time, is the Key frame. It defines the time frame in which
assembly component motion or visual property changes take place. Change-bars
are the horizontal bars connecting key points. They indicate a change between
key points. Changes include: animation duration, component motion, simulation
element property changes, view orientation such as rotation, and visual
properties such as colour or view. The solid dark grey vertical line on the
timeline is the time bar. It represents the current animation time.
After this brief description of the Solid Works motion studies interface, and
Motion Manager parameters settings, the simulation and dynamical behaviour
of the chronometer escapement mechanism will be explained and described. It
was already emphasized that all parts of the chronometer escapement are
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 69

assembled by the using of standard mates exclusively. This approach is

particularly suitable for the dynamical analysis since standard (geometrical)
mates do not change physical properties of assembly.
At the very beginning we must notify if the dynamical simulation can start
at all. If the escapement mechanism is not capable to perform motion, it is
necessary to recheck the Motion Manager parameters settings, assembly mates
and (or) even the mechanism constructive geometry. After the patient
examination and corrections of the possible errors have been accomplished, the
escapement must exhibit dynamical behaviour. This step can be considered as a
rudimentary and crude adjustment of the chronometer escapement. Next phase
of the dynamical analysis of the escapement mechanism is the observation of its
complete working cycle. As is shown on Fig. 8, the working cycle of the
chronometer detent escapement mechanism can be divided into the following 6
steps:
a) Rotation of the escapement wheel is blocked by the detent locking pallet
(stone). Balance wheel rotates counter clockwise.
b) Discharging event is taking place. Discharging pallet engages the passing
spring and moves the detent blade until the locking stone releases the wheel
tooth.
c) Impulse event is starting to occur. Tooth of the escapement wheel drops
(escapes) and the next in advance engages the impulse pallet. The balance
wheel proceeds counter clockwise, and the wheel tooth continues to push the
pallet.
d) The detent is released by the discharging pallet and drops back to rest. The
escapement wheel tooth continues to push on the pallet until the tooth drops off,
and the appropriate tooth is locked on the detent locking stone. Impulse event is
finished. The balance wheel reaches its amplitude position and begins to rotate
clockwise.
e) The balance wheel rotates clockwise and comes against the gold (passing)
spring through the discharging pallet again, but on the opposite site. However,
instead of lifting the detent, the passing spring gives way. As the balance wheel
continues rotation the passing spring is released.
f) The balance wheel reaches its amplitude position and begins to rotate counter
clockwise. Mechanism has just finished the complete working cycle and is
ready to repeat the new cycle which is effectively equivalent to the previous
one.
Considering the dynamical behaviour of the escapement working cycle the
following mechanical parameters can be altered or properly adjusted:
- Period of the balance wheel oscillation (It can be adjusted by the alteration
of the balance wheel mass moment of inertia or/and by the alteration of the
helical spring constant.)
- The amplitude of the balance wheel oscillation. (It must achieve the value
of approximately 2700 to each side of its centre equilibrium position.
70 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al

Fig. 8 Working cycle of the chronometer detent escapement mechanism

divided in six steps (a - f)
This amplitude can be adjusted by the choosing of the proper value of the
escapement wheel torque.)
- The center equilibrium position (This parameter is important for the
isochronisms of the balance wheel oscillations. The center equilibrium position
must be chosen in such a way that, respecting this position, the impulses are
delivered to the impulse pallet symmetrically. This condition can be achieved
by the adjustment of the helical spring free angle.)
 Bul. Inst. Polit. Iaşi, t. LVII (LXI), f. 5, 2011 71

After all considerations and adjustments of the chronometer escapement

which are mentioned or described above, this mechanism should work properly.
If it is necessary or useful, dynamical behaviour of the escapement can be
described graphically since Solid Works Motion Manager is capable to generate
various types of kinematical and dynamical diagrams. This approach can be
particularly useful for extremely precise and meticulous analysis of escapement
impulse error, oscillator frequency variation, random error patterns of the clock
rate, timekeeping stability, and other important problems of the chronometer
design and construction. Thus, in general, analysis of kinematical and
dynamical diagrams can give the opportunity for final and most significant
conclusions about the physical characteristics of any modelled mechanism or
machine. Finally, motion study can be documented by a set of video clips due to
the fact that this feature is also incorporated in Solid Works application.

5. Conclusion

This paper explains operational principles and constructive geometry of

Thomas Earnshaw‟s chronometer detent escapement. In addition, process of 3D
solid modeling, and assembling of all escapement parts, as well as the motion
study and simulation of escapement operational cycle are also presented and
explained. This analysis considers not just the kinematical properties and
characteristics of one particular chronometer escapement type, but also clarifies
and illuminates the process of computer aided mechanism design, construction
and motion analysis.
Solid modelling, motion analysis and simulation of the chronometer
escapement dynamical behaviour have been accomplished in Solid Works 2010
application. Moreover, the simulation of this mechanism working cycles has
been demonstrated and preserved in different projections and views by one
video clip. Watching this movie can further improve the clarity of the
mechanism operational principles.
It is important to emphasize at the end of this paper that theory of
chronometer escapements is important and interesting part of theory of
mechanisms and kinematics. Despite the fact that chronometer escapements are
invented in past times, these mechanisms still represent the jewel treasuries of
knowledge and engineering wisdom. Regarding the kinematics and machine
theory, they do not deserve to be neglected, disregarded or even forgotten!
1
Received: February 15, 2011 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Machine Theory and Mechanisms
Belgrade, Serbia
e-mail: bariton@afrodita.rcub.bg.ac.rs
2
Faculty of Civil Engineering
Chair of Mathematics, Physics and Descriptive Geometry
Belgrade, Serbia, e-mail: marijao@grf.bg.ac.rs
72 Branislav Popkonstantinovic et al
3
Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Department of Applied Mathematics
Belgrade, Serbia
e-mail: malesevic@etf.bg.ac.rs

REFERENCES

1. W o o d w a r d P., Woodward on Time, Bill Tailor and The British Horological

Institute, USA, Great Britain, 2006, pp. 59-121
2. M a t t h y s R J, Accurate Clock Pendulums, Oxford University Press, USA, 2004.
3. W o o d w a r d P, My Own Right Time, Oxford University Press, New York, 2003
4. G a z l e y W J : Clock and Watch Escapements, St Edmundsburry Press Limited
Press Limited, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, 2001, pp. 221-239
5. H a n d L N, F I n c h J D, “Analytical Mechanics”, Cambridge University Press,
New York, 1998.
6. B e c k e t t E, A Rudimentary Treatise on Clocks, watches and Bells for public
purposes, “Crosby Lockwood and Son”, London, 1903, pp. 206-240

Research is partially supported by the MNTRS, Serbia, Grant No.III44006

STUDIU MODELARII SI MISCARII

MECANISMULUI REGULATOR AL UNUI CRONOMETRU

(rezumat)

Regulatorul ceasului si cronometrului sunt părţi importante şi interesante din teoria

mecanismelor şi cinematicii. În ciuda faptului că regulatorul cronometrului şi ceasului
au fost inventate în trecut, din punct de vedere al cinematicii aceste mecanisme
reprezintă trezorerii de cunoaştere şi de înţelepciune din domeniul ingineriei mecanice.
Această lucrare analizează principiile de funcţionare şi geometria constructivă a
unui mecanism regulator al unui cronometru de tip “Thomas Earnshaw”. Mai mult
decât atât este studiat procesul de modelare solidă 3D şi asamblare a tuturor părţilor
componente ale acestui mecanism, precum şi studiul mişcării şi simularea ciclului de
evoluţie operaţională. Această analiză nu consideră doar proprietăţile cinematice şi
caracteristicile unui anumit tip de cronometru, dar, de asemenea, clarifică procesul de
proiectare asistată de calculator a mecanismului de construcţie şi de analiză a mişcării.
Modelarea Solidă, analiza mişcării şi simularea comportamentului mecanismultui
cronometrului dinamic au fost realizate în Solid Works 2010. Mai mult decât atât,
simularea acestui mecanism pe cicluri de lucru a fost demonstrateă şi conservată în
proiecţii şi puncte de vedere diferite de către un clip video.
Această analiză şi consideraţiile aferente nu explică numai proprietăţile cinematice
şi caracteristicile acestui tip de mecanism al cronometrului, dar clarifică şi procesul de
proiectare asistată de calculator al acestuia.