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Horological Meandering

balance wheel continued...

 

As I wrote, mass in the center where r->0 is not adding much to the total I, if I=mr^2, or we should rather write \int r^2 dm, The frequency depends on one side on the strength of the magnetic field and on the other side on the moment of inertia and they have to be "matched" in order to get required frequency, so probably you really need higher moment than that  of rotating relatively small magnet only. I can imagine a construction, where the rotor would be completely made of magnet and would have large radius.  It would be a magnet and a balance wheel in one part. Is it what you mean?

The advantage of larger diameter is also a finer regulation by changing the moment of inertia., i.e. relative change of moment by unscrewing the screws (changing the radius) is smaller. There are regulating screws visible in one of the concept pictures (they are not visualized on the picture above in this thread).

Regarding the disturbing effects, the great advantage  is that the geometry of the balance is not changing during the oscillation (like with a single hairspring), and therefore the center of inertia doesn't move.  So you don't need a tourbillon anymore.

Another advantage is, that since you do not use a spring, the amplitude can be much smaller - like that of pendulum. But then you could probably need slightly different escapement.

The positional error due to changes in friction are, I would suppose, the same as with the normal balance. Could be even better (but it is just a speculation) if the magnets keep the shaft in a  stable position and don't let it fall up and down and left and right i.e. to change a position of pivots in the bearings (but probably not)..

Maybe we will be asked by TH to improve their design smile

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