The most common purpose of an alarm clock is to wake people up. The alarm clock rings when the time set is reached, which triggers the system to set off the alarm. This alarm will continue to ring until you press it off, or for only a given period.

A traditional alarm clock includes a bell on top, which rings when the alarm is triggered. Modern alarm clocks are designed with different kinds of ring tones that you can program for your preferred “wake up tone”.

Multi-purpose alarm clocks, like a digital radio clock, also work like the traditional clock. However, you have the option on pressing the snooze button to allow for an extra 15 to 20 minutes of rest. While some radio clocks are designed with a beeper or buzzer, majority of radio alarm clocks work by turning on the radio at the designated time.

If you own a laptop or desktop computer, you can use the built-in alarm clock for reminders or wake ups. For some computers without the built-in clock, you can purchase alarm clock software and install it into your system for personalized ring tones, weather reports or daily news.

Inside the Traditional Alarm Clock

The traditional alarm clocks have been used since it was invented, until today. To understand how these kinds of alarm clocks work, you have to dissect one to see its mechanics.

When you found an old alarm clock, remove the knobs to reveal the insides of the device. Then, remove the alarm bells, stand, hands, mounting rings and face to end up with the basic clock mechanism.

When all casing and extra parts are removed, you may think that the clock looks a bit complicated. However, the truth is, these alarm clocks only operate using 12 moving parts – four gears (for the alarm, minute and hour hand), main spring, escapement wheel, anchor, oscillating wheel and two gears (one to control the alarm hammer and the other, acts like an escapement wheel).

The insides of a traditional alarm clock are similar to those found on a clock with bells, wristwatch and digital alarm radio.

The next generation alarm clocks, such as dawn simulator, progressive auditory clock or sunrise alarm clock, are designed based on a theory that the traditional alarm clock causes a person to become groggy and these new clocks are said to ease a person into wakening.

Regardless of the kind of alarm clock you use, the purpose of an alarm clock remains the same – a simple, important and necessary device for waking up.