Watch Bracelet Attachment Member for Bar-Free Case Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment members for watch bracelets require modifications to the watch case to function, and they necessitate the use of a bar for linking the bracelet strands to the case, which is not space-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A fastening member with a housing, studs, and a lock mechanism that allows removable connection to the watch case without modifying it, using an elastic member to separate the studs and a lock that transitions between locking and unlocking positions without moving the studs, enabling detachment by applying force while maintaining the lock in the unlocked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing attachment members are used to simplify bracelet assembly/disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but the watch case requires modifications to cooperate with the attachment member
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member is designed with a universal interface that can be used on both modified and unmodified watch cases. The lock mechanism can engage with either a push-button on modified cases or directly with the lugs on unmodified cases, making the same attachment member adaptable to multiple watch case configurations without requiring case modifications.
2Device complexity
If a bar is used to link bracelet strands to the watch case, then the connection is simplified, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member merges multiple functions into a single compact component. The housing, studs, lock mechanism, and elastic member are integrated into one unit that directly connects the bracelet strand to the watch case lugs, eliminating the need for a separate bar and reducing the overall space required for the attachment system.
3Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is actuated to unlock the fastening member, then detachment is enabled, but movement of the studs may occur causing improper unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the lock body that moves for actuation, the studs that remain stationary during locking/unlocking, and the elastic member that provides resetting force. This segmentation ensures that when the lock is actuated, only the lock body moves while the studs remain fixed in position, preventing improper unlocking and ensuring reliable operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables removable attachment of bracelet strands to a watch case without altering the case design and without needing a bar, providing a space-saving solution that simplifies detachment and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member arranged to separate the first and second studs from each other
Implementation Method 2
a lock arranged to, on the one hand, lock the fastening member when the lock is in a locking position and, on the other hand, allow the fastening member to be detached from the watch case when the lock is actuated
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~10
Figure 11~13B-B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an attachment member (10) for a strap segment designed to be detachably connected to a watch case. The attachment member (10) comprises: a cavity (14) wherein first and second blocks (30a, 30b) are maintained, which blocks are arranged so as to be able to slide in a direction transverse to the length of the segment and to engage, respectively, with first and second pivots (72a, 72b) which are rigidly attached to horns (70) of the watch case; an elastic member (40) arranged to move the first and second blocks (30a, 30b) away from one another; and a lock (60) arranged, on the one hand, to lock the attachment member when the lock (60) is in a locking position and, on the other hand, to allow the attachment member (10) to be detached from the watch case when the lock (60) is actuated so as to be brought into an unlocking position and a force for separating the attachment member (10) from the watch case is applied counter to the elastic member (40). According to the invention, the lock (60) and the first and second blocks (30a, 30b) are configured such that the step of actuating the lock (60) from the locking position to the unlocking position does not transmit any movement to the first and second blocks (30a, 30b).