Bracelet Clasp Safety Device Prevents Inadvertent Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bracelet clasps lack clarity on whether simultaneous pressure on both push-pieces is necessary for unlocking, and pressure on a single push-piece with cover pressure can inadvertently unlock the clasp, compromising security.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a safety device that prevents lateral movement of the cover from unlocking the clasp when pressure is applied to a push-piece and the cover's opposite flap, ensuring that both push-pieces must be pressed simultaneously to open the clasp, with features like raised ears or extended portions acting as stop members to maintain closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lateral movement of the cover is allowed when pressure is applied to a push-piece and the cover's opposite flap, then the clasp can be opened with less force, but the security of the clasp is compromised due to inadvertent unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing stop members (raised ears or extended portions) that prevent the cover from moving laterally when pressure is applied to a push-piece and the opposite flap. These stop members are positioned in advance to block the lateral movement path, ensuring that the locking mechanism cannot be accidentally disengaged. This preliminary prevention mechanism maintains security while still allowing intentional opening when both push-pieces are pressed simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If the cover is constrained to prevent lateral movement, then the security of the clasp is improved, but the ease of opening the clasp may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing stop members only at specific critical locations where lateral movement could cause inadvertent unlocking. The stop members are strategically positioned to block lateral movement of the cover when pressure is applied to a push-piece and the opposite flap, but do not interfere with the normal opening operation when both push-pieces are pressed simultaneously. This localized constraint maintains security while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the stop members are positioned to prevent lateral movement, then the security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the stop members (raised ears or extended portions) directly into the existing cover structure. The stop members are formed as integral parts of the cover rather than separate components, which prevents lateral movement and enhances security while minimizing the increase in device complexity. This unified structure reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8918965B2Bracelet clasp
Publication Date: 2014.12.30 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • US8918965B2 patent drawing
  • US8918965B2 patent drawing
  • US8918965B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The bracelet clasp includes first (1) and second (2) hinged arms and a cover (3). The clasp is provided with two push-pieces (15a and 15b). A safety device prevents the clasp opening when pressure (A-B) is simultaneously exerted both on a push-piece (15a) and on one side of the cover opposite said push-piece. This device may be a strut (70) provided with extended portions (72, 73) abutting on both sides of the first arm (1).