Design, modelling and motion simulation of the remontoire mechanism

Abstract

Remontoire mechanisms are subassemblies of mechanical time keepers, frequently seen inside of large tower and public mechanical clocks. The most important purpose of these mechanisms is to supply a secondary, smooth and constant source of power to the escapement and thus to increase the clock accuracy. This paper explains the design, solid modelling and motion simulation of the gravity driven train remontoire mechanism. The design is based on kinematic analysis of the mechanism operating cycle, which is presented in all necessary details. A three-dimensional model is built and motion simulation of this device is accomplished and demonstrated by the using of SolidWorks software. Since old public church and tower clocks are considered as historical monuments of Serbia and many other European countries, results of this analysis and simulations can offer valuable information and practical instructions for their reparation, preservation and maintenance.