SUMMARY
The research paper, ‘The Evolution of Clock Escapement Mechanism,’ presents a historical overview of
the development of clock escapement mechanisms. The work focuses on a qualitative analysis of the
evolution of the escapement mechanism's structure and the development of timepieces over the past
seven centuries. The paper highlights the mechanism of the crown wheel (verge & foliot), anchor recoil,
deadbeat, and detached escapements, and their variations in gravity and chronometer escapements, as
well as the English and Swiss lever watch escapements.
A summary of each of these historical escapement mechanisms is as follows:
MECHANISM OF THE CROWN WHEEL ESCAPEMENT
The crown wheel mechanism, also referred to as the verge and foliot mechanism is one of the earliest
mechanisms, of Europe that emerged in the late 13th century. This escapement worked on torque which
is regulated by foliot inertia. However, the foliot proved not to be an exact oscillator, due to which the
rate of the medieval timepiece was largely affected. This escapement mechanism was later replaced by
the pendulum for better accuracy.
MECHANISM OF THE ANCHOHOR RECOIL ESCAPEMENT
The recoil anchor escapements were introduced in the 17th century, improving the verge and foliot
mechanism. These escapements minimize the effects of circular error and enhance isochronism. The
pendulum is always influenced by driving torque forces, which shortens or lengthens the pendulum's
oscillation period, depending on its alignment. This design marked significant progress in the evolution
of timepiece accuracy.
MECHANISM OF THE DEADBEAT ESCAPEMENT
The deadbeat escapement mechanism is regarded as the most important in the history of science and
clock-making. This design of escapement separated the impulse and locking function, increasing the
accuracy and reducing recoil. Unlike recoil escapements, deadbeat escapements feature distinct locking
and impulse surfaces, eliminating recoil and reducing circular error. Timekeeping accuracy was improved
by reducing the pendulum oscillation amplitude.
MECHANISM OF THE DETACHED ESCAPEMENT
The development of detached escapements aimed to separate the impulse and locking functions from
the direct influence of the clock's driving force. This led to the design of gravity escapements, including
the Denison four-legged gravity escapement. These designs allowed for more accurate regulation by
ensuring minimal disruption to the pendulum's oscillation, leading to improvements in clockmaking,
particularly in portable timepieces like wrist and pocket watches.
The paper gives a brief description of all important geometrical, kinematical, and dynamical properties,
and the influence of these properties on clock accuracy and error elimination over time. Advances such
as separating locking and impulse frictions, reducing pendulum interaction, and introducing oscillators
have led to modern timekeeping accuracy. The paper not only aims to convey the details of horology and
the theory of the mechanisms but also intends to be helpful for future, higher-quality clock and watch
rate regulators.
Research paper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eRBiZwDxYga-
xj0gyyW3p_IPRkJcNkiE/view?usp=sharing
