Design of a Flexure Rotational Time Base With Varying Inertia

Abstract Flexure oscillators are promising time bases, thanks to their high quality factor and monolithic design compatible with microfabrication. In mechanical watchmaking, they could advantageously replace the traditional balance hairspring oscillator, leading improvements in timekeeping accuracy, autonomy, assembly. As MEMS oscillators, performance can rival that of well-established quartz oscillator. However, inherent nonlinear elastic behavior introduce a variation frequency amplitude called isochronism defect, major obstacle accurate watches. Previous research has focused on addressing this issue by controlling properties flexure oscillators. Yet, these exhibit other amplitude-related variations caused changes inertia amplitude. article, we not only improve existing models taking into account effects but also present new way using them adjust defect. This results better understanding an alternative tuning acting instead stiffness. opens door architectures such as rotation–dilation coupled oscillator (RDCO) whose symmetry advantage minimizing influence linear accelerations its (the limitation oscillators). We derive analytical for show dimensioning compensating stiffness variations, practical method post-fabrication displacing masses. The validated finite element (FEM) mockups serve preliminary proof-of-concept.