Articulating Bracelet Clasp with Nested Movable Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracelet clasps either separate and risk falling off when opened or fail to provide a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing fit around the wrist, and an adequate opening for easy removal.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring a central blade with two articulated movable blades, each with lateral arms and a transverse rod, connected by pins, and secured by ball/spring assemblies, allowing for a secure closed configuration and increased length for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple buckle and tongue cooperation means are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing bracelet separation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into a central blade and two movable blades that can independently articulate. This segmentation allows each blade to perform a specific function: the central blade provides structural support while the movable blades enable controlled opening and closing movements, resolving the contradiction by maintaining simplicity through functional division rather than complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The movable blades act as intermediary elements between the central blade and the bracelet strands. They mediate the transition between closed and open states, ensuring that the bracelet strands remain connected to the clasp structure throughout the opening process, thereby preventing separation while maintaining a simple overall design
2Shape
If the clasp is designed to fit closely and comfortably around the wrist, then the esthetic effect and comfort are improved, but the open surface area for hand passage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the two movable blades can articulate outward. In the closed configuration, the clasp maintains a compact shape that fits closely around the wrist for comfort and aesthetics. When opening is required, the movable blades dynamically expand outward to create sufficient open surface area for hand passage, thus resolving the contradiction between fit and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The movable blades are nested within the central blade structure in the closed configuration, allowing the clasp to maintain a compact, wrist-friendly profile. Upon opening, the nested blades articulate outward from the central blade, effectively increasing the open surface area without adding permanent bulk to the closed form, thereby satisfying both comfort and accessibility requirements
3Reliability
If the movable blades are secured firmly in the closed configuration, then the reliability of the closed state is improved, but the ease of operation for opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the ball/spring assembly, where the spring force can be adjusted to provide sufficient holding power in the closed state while allowing controlled release during opening. The spring compression parameter changes as the movable blades transition from closed to open, automatically reducing the securing force to facilitate easy operation while maintaining reliability when closed
Solution Approach 2:
The ball/spring assembly provides automatic securing and releasing functionality. When the movable blades are in the closed position, the spring automatically engages the balls to secure the configuration. During opening, the spring mechanism self-adjusts to allow blade movement, and upon closing, it automatically re-engages to secure the position again, eliminating the need for additional manual securing operations
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 clasp provides maximum reliability and user-friendliness by securely fitting the wrist while minimizing the risk of falling off and offering an aesthetically appealing, hidden design in the closed configuration and easy access in the open configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The securing device may be a ball/spring assembly or an elastic blade
Implementation Method 2
The securing device may be a ball/spring assembly or an elastic blade
Data Source
AI summary
A clasp (1) for a watchstrap or bracelet including a central blade (2) and two movable blades (12), each movable blade (12) being hinged at one longitudinal end of the central blade (2), characterised in that each movable blade (12) has two side arms (13) intended for being received outside the side surfaces of the central blade (2) in closed configuration, these two side arms (13) comprising a first free end connected by a first pin (10) to a longitudinal end of the central blade (2), and a second end capable of receiving a second pin (30) for connection with a strand (40) of the watchstrap or bracelet, the central blade (2) comprising a hollow portion (4) in the central upper surface thereof for receiving such a second pin (30) arranged at the second end of the side arms (13) in the closed configuration of the clasp (1).