Resilient Bracelet Joint Compensation Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Articulated structures such as bracelets and necklaces face challenges in protecting expensive and fragile components from shocks, as existing damping solutions like rubber links are bulky, unsightly, and difficult to adapt to pre-existing jewel structures, making it hard to prevent direct contact between components.

Innovation Solution

A compensation element made of resilient material with stretchable and compressible bosses is inserted between components to prevent direct contact and limit angular travel, featuring a central ply with bosses that fit within flared spaces to absorb shocks and maintain tension, ensuring protection without visible bulkiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If damping links or rubber components are interposed between articulated components, then protection against shocks is improved, but the bracelet becomes bulky and unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against shocksVSAvoidbulkiness and appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation element is nested within the articulation joint structure, with the resilient material and bosses fitting inside the space between articulated components. This allows the damping function to be integrated into the existing joint geometry without adding external bulk, resolving the contradiction between protection and appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation element uses a thin resilient material (ply) with stretchable and compressible bosses, rather than bulky rubber links. This flexible membrane structure provides shock absorption while maintaining a sleek, minimal profile that does not compromise the bracelet's aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If bulky damping components are added to protect fragile components, then protection against shocks is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of fragile componentsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the resilient ply provides shock absorption, the stretchable bosses provide mechanical coupling and limit angular travel, and the compressible bosses provide additional damping. This merged structure protects fragile components without requiring multiple separate parts, reducing complexity and production cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a shock absorber, a mechanical coupler, an angular travel limiter, and a space filler within the articulation joint. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate damping components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If resilient material with bosses is used to prevent direct contact, then protection against shocks is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of direct contactVSAvoidgeometry adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compensation element uses material property changes (resilience and elasticity of the ply and bosses) to accommodate geometric variations in the articulation joint. The stretchable and compressible nature of the bosses allows them to adapt to different spatial configurations, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while ensuring reliable prevention of direct contact between fragile components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively absorbs shocks, prevents harmful contact, and reduces noise during friction, providing reliable protection for fragile components like gemstones and ceramics while maintaining a sleek design and low production costs.

Implementation Method 1

said compensation element is made in a single piece of resilient material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

comprises, on either side of a stretchable central ply, at a first end at least a first stretchable and compressible boss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

at least a first stretchable and compressible boss, and at a second end at least one second stretchable and compressible boss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2633775B1Hinged bracelet

Publication Date: 2015.07.01 MONTRES RADO

Figure 1~8
Figure 9~12
Figure 13~14

AI summary

Articulated bracelet (100) comprising a first component (6) articulated with a second component (9) by a joint (8) along an axis (D). A one-piece resilient compensation element (1) is captive-mounted between said first and second components (6; 9), to prevent any direct radial contact between them along said axis (D), and to limit the angular travel between them, and comprises, on either side of a central stretchable sheet (2), at a first end a first stretchable and compressible boss (3), and at a second end at least a second stretchable and compressible boss (4), said first boss (3) and said second boss (4) projecting from said sheet (2) and having a cross-section greater than its own in a plane perpendicular to said axis (D).