Bracelet Clasp With Mineral Insert For Rigidity And Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-end watch clasps with skeletonization are mechanically weakened, prone to deformation, and costly to produce, while also potentially damaging leather bracelets due to rough edges and rapid wear of precious metals.
Innovation Solution
A bracelet clasp design featuring a first blade with an articulated second blade and cap, incorporating a mineral material insert such as glass or sapphire for decoration, with a rim and wall structure that enhances mechanical rigidity and aesthetic visibility, reducing wear and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the buckle is skeletonized to achieve a lighter aesthetic and better visibility, then the visual appearance is improved, but the mechanical strength and rigidity are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is divided into two separate components: a skeletonized decorative element and a solid functional base. The skeletonized part provides the desired visual appearance with cutouts and openwork design, while the solid base maintains the mechanical strength needed for buckling operations. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A solid base acts as an intermediary between the skeletonized decorative element and the bracelet components. This base provides the necessary structural support and strength, while the skeletonized element attached to it delivers the aesthetic appearance. The intermediary base transfers and distributes mechanical loads, preventing the skeletonized portions from bearing structural stresses.
2Shape
If skeletonization is used to achieve decorative effects, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is segmented into a skeletonized decorative element and a solid base that can be manufactured separately using different processes. The decorative element can be produced through cost-effective methods such as stamping, casting, or laser cutting, while the base is manufactured for structural integrity. This separation allows optimization of production costs for each component according to its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing expensive skeletonization operations on precious metal buckles, the design uses a skeletonized decorative element that can be a copy or representation of the traditional skeletonized aesthetic. This decorative element is attached to a solid base, achieving the visual effect without the high cost of skeletonizing expensive materials.
3Weight of moving object
If the buckle is skeletonized to reduce material usage, then the weight is reduced, but the durability and wear resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle structure is segmented into lightweight skeletonized portions for aesthetic and weight reduction purposes, and a solid dense base for durability and wear resistance. The skeletonized parts contribute minimally to the overall weight while the solid base provides the necessary durability for buckling operations and resistance to wear from bracelet materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle employs a composite structure combining different material densities and properties. The skeletonized elements may use lighter materials or thinner sections to reduce weight, while the base uses denser, more durable materials to ensure reliability. This composite approach allows optimization of both weight and durability characteristics.
4Ease of operation
If the buckle surface is rough to provide grip, then the handling is improved, but the leather strap is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle surface is designed with local quality variations: the gripping surfaces that contact the user's fingers have textured or patterned finishes for enhanced grip, while the surfaces that contact the leather bracelet are smooth and polished to prevent damage. This localized differentiation of surface properties allows the buckle to provide both good handling characteristics and protection for the leather strap.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bracelet clasp comprising a first blade, at least one second blade hinged at one end to the first blade and at its other end to a cap, and means for locking the second blade in the closed position on the first blade. According to the invention, the cap includes an opening arranged to receive at least one insert comprising a decoration.