Tool-Free Watch Bracelet Link With Pusher Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bracelet link assembly systems require tools for length adjustment and disassembly, making it difficult for users to perform adjustments without professional assistance, as they often necessitate removal or unscrewing of bars, which can be risky and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A bracelet link design featuring a body with a transverse channel and a movable bar, where a pusher-activated locking member, assisted by a spring, allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly by translating between locked and unlocked positions in response to user pressure, enabling easy length adjustment without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism requiring tools is used to secure the bar, then the bar can be retained securely in its housing, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot perform adjustments without professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be actuated directly by the user through a push button without requiring external tools. The elastic element automatically returns the locking member to its locked position, enabling users to independently secure and release the bar for bracelet adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The tool requirement is extracted and eliminated from the system by replacing the traditional tool-actuated locking mechanism with a user-actuated push button system that can be operated directly on the bracelet
2Reliability
If a screw-based locking mechanism is used, then the bar can be securely retained, but the device complexity increases and requires additional components and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The screw component is extracted from the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for threading, screwdrivers, and associated complexity. The locking action is achieved through a simple push button that moves a locking member along the bar
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a push button for user actuation, a locking member for engagement, and an elastic element for automatic return, allowing each component to perform its specific function independently
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reversible locking system with rotational movement is used, then the bar can be locked and released, but the ease of operation deteriorates as rotation requires screwdriver-type tools
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring rotational movement to lock and release the bar, the system inverts the approach by using linear translational movement of a push button to actuate the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for rotational tools
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
Enables users to easily add or remove links and adjust bracelet length securely and reliably without tools, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of damage during handling.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member exerting on the locking member a force tending to maintain it in its first position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention concerns a bracelet link suitable for forming a bracelet, the main direction of which defines a longitudinal axis, said link comprising: - a body (10) passed through by a channel (20) arranged in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, said channel (20) being interrupted by a link portion (12) provided in said body (10), in which a second link can engage, - a bar (30) housed in the channel (20), said bar (30) being capable of being moved in translation in the channel (20) with respect to the body (10), between an assembled position in which the bar (30) passes through the link portion (12) and a free position in which it leaves the link portion (12) free, - a locking member (40) arranged so as to be movable in translation between a first position in which it locks the longitudinal position of the bar (30) in order to hold it in the assembled position of same, and a second position in which the bar (30) is movable in translation, and - an elastic member applying a force to the locking member (40) that tends to hold it in the first position of same. According to the invention, the locking member (40) is a pusher or is linked to a pusher such that it is capable of being moved to the second position of same in response to a pressure being applied directly to the pusher by a user.