Bracelet Clasp Monolithic Spring Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing folding clasps for bracelets, such as those disclosed in Patent CH 693160, face the issue where the locking of one pivoting blade on the base blade can inadvertently unlock the other pivoting blade unless simultaneously held by the user, leading to instability in the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A folding clasp design featuring a base slat with articulated pivoting blades, multiple locking elements, and a monolithic spring component with serpentine parts that cooperate with pushers to securely lock each blade independently, preventing unintended unlocking, while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple locking mechanism with few parts is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of locking is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into independent serpentine parts, each with its own locking element. This segmentation allows each side to lock independently without affecting the other, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure. The monolithic part is simply segmented into functional zones rather than requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking elements and the return spring are merged into a single monolithic part that can be manufactured as one piece. This combining approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing multiple locking points, thus improving reliability without increasing assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If independent locking elements are added for each pivoting blade, then locking stability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking elements and the return spring are merged into a single monolithic part that can be manufactured as one piece. This combining approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing multiple locking points, thus improving reliability without increasing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the return spring mechanism, contains multiple locking elements, and acts as the base structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while achieving reliable independent locking of both blades.
3Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic part with multiple locking elements is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the risk of unintended unlocking is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic part is functionally segmented into separate serpentine parts, each with its own locking element that operates independently. This segmentation within a monolithic structure allows one locking element to engage or disengage without affecting the other, eliminating the unintended unlocking risk while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the monolithic part have specialized local functions: serpentine parts for elastic movement, locking elements for secure engagement, and connecting parts for structural integrity. This local differentiation ensures that each locking element operates independently and reliably within its specific zone.
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
The design ensures that locking one pivoting blade does not inadvertently unlock the other, providing stable and secure closure and opening of the clasp, while being easy to manufacture and assemble, with the serpentine spring and locking elements working together to maintain the blades' position without deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring for the at least one pusher, the spring, the at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element forming part of the same monolithic part
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The clasp according to the invention comprises a base blade (1), first and second pivoting blades (4, 5) articulated respectively at the two ends of the base blade (1) and capable of folding down onto the base blade (1), first locking elements (14, 15) and second locking elements (16, 17) associated with the base blade (1), third locking elements (25, 26) associated with the first pivoting blade (4) and arranged to cooperate with the first locking elements (14, 15) to lock the first pivoting blade (4) onto the base blade (1), fourth locking elements (27, 28) associated with the second pivoting blade (5) and arranged to cooperate with the second locking elements (16, 17) to lock the second pivoting blade (5) onto the base blade (1), pushers (23, 24) arranged to act on the first locking elements (14, 15) and second locking elements (16, 17). 15) and the second locking elements (16,17) to unlock the pivoting blades (4, 5), and a spring (13) for returning the pushers (23, 24). The first locking elements (14, 15), the second locking elements (16, 17) and the spring (13) are part of a single monolithic piece (12). The spring (13) comprises first and second serpentine sections (31, 32) carrying respectively the first locking elements (14, 15) and the second locking elements (16, 17), these first and second serpentine sections (31, 32) being connected by linking sections (33, 34) cooperating with the pushers (23, 24).