Electroformed Bracelet Link With Integrated Cylindrical Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated bracelet links produced by electroforming in precious metals have low resistance to tensile forces and cannot be adjusted to fit specific arm circumferences due to thin shell thickness and lack of adjustable hinge and connection pins.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating cylindrical bearings within the link shells to support, guide, and maintain articulation and connection axes, allowing for the integration of removable hinge and connection pins that enhance mechanical strength and enable length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the shell thickness is reduced to decrease precious metal weight, then the weight of the bracelet is reduced, but the resistance to tensile forces and tearing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The link shell is segmented into multiple functional zones: thin-walled sections for weight reduction, and reinforced sections with integrated cylindrical bearings for strength. The bearing structure divides the wall into outer and inner surfaces, creating a composite structural system that distributes mechanical loads away from the thin shell walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The link combines precious metal shell material with integrated bearing structures that provide mechanical reinforcement. The composite structure of shell walls combined with bearing cylinders creates a system where the bearing acts as an internal reinforcement element, allowing thin walls to support heavy loads without tearing.
2Weight of moving object
If the shell thickness is reduced to decrease precious metal weight, then the weight of the bracelet is reduced, but the bending resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The link shell is segmented into thin-walled sections for weight reduction and reinforced sections with integrated cylindrical bearings. The bearing structure divides the wall into outer and inner surfaces, creating a composite structural system that resists bending moments through the bearing's cylindrical geometry and strategic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical bearing geometry provides curvature that naturally resists bending forces. The circular cross-section of the bearing distributes bending stresses evenly around its perimeter, preventing stress concentration that would occur in flat thin walls, thereby maintaining bending resistance with minimal material.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional electroforming without bearings is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the resistance to tearing and bending is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is merged directly into the link shell during the electroforming process, combining two components (shell and bearing) into a single integrated piece. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for the bearing, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing enhanced tearing resistance through the bearing's structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing structure is pre-formed as part of the electroforming substrate or initial deposition, providing structural reinforcement before final assembly. The bearing's cylindrical walls are preliminarily established to guide and support the articulation pin, preventing stress concentration on the thin shell walls during subsequent assembly and use.
4Strength
If fixed hinge and connection pins are used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the ability to adjust bracelet length is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pin is made removable and replaceable, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. The bearing's cylindrical passage is designed to accommodate different pin configurations, allowing the bracelet to be dynamically adjusted in length while maintaining structural integrity through the bearing's support and guidance functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing's cylindrical passage serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement against tearing and bending, guides the articulation pin for smooth movement, and accommodates removable connection pins for length adjustment. This multi-functional design allows the same structural element to maintain integrity while enabling adaptability.
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 provides hollow, high-strength articulated links with adjustable length, improved resistance to tearing and bending, and reduced precious metal weight, meeting the requirements for watch bracelets while offering economic advantages.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodeposition of the layer of precious metal on the conductive substrate is preferably done on the total surface of the substrate which is thus entirely coated with this noble metal
Implementation Method 2
It is also possible to use acids or bases as dissolving agents, with respect to which the precious metal is inert
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The bracelet, necklace or ring link (1, 2) comprises a hollow shell formed by electroforming a precious metal or its alloy, and set stones. The shell comprises a bearing (3, 4, 7), at its interior, in the form of cylindrical tubes, where the bearing supports, surrounds and guides a hinge pin (5, 8) fixedly and connects the shell of the link to the pin at a variable length. Each bearing is linked to one of the side walls (6) of the shell. The attachment of the hinge pin and connection is achieved through a bearing bore using an adjustment unit or by gluing, welding, riveting or screwing. The bracelet, necklace or ring link (1, 2) comprises a hollow shell formed by electroforming a precious metal or its alloy, and set stones. The shell comprises a bearing (3, 4, 7), at its interior, in the form of cylindrical tubes, where the bearing supports, surrounds and guides a hinge pin (5, 8) fixedly and connects the shell of the link to the pin at a variable length. Each bearing is linked to one of the side walls (6) of the shell. The attachment of the hinge pin and connection is achieved through a bearing bore using an adjustment unit or by gluing, welding, riveting or screwing through a tapped hole of the bearing. The bearing acts as an element for hinge rotation of the shell by freely enclosing the hinge pin, and is guided longitudinally around the body of the pin with a clearance between the bearing bore and the body of the hinge pin. An end of the bearing is drawn perpendicular to its axis by a recess, which pierces the wall of the shell opposite to the wall that supports the bearing. The bearing further comprises a passage hole having specified dimensions.