Bracelet Length Adjustment via Offset Elastic Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracelet length adjustment mechanisms provide limited fine or very fine adjustment capabilities due to construction constraints, resulting in suboptimal comfort and reliability, particularly in addressing variations in wrist diameter.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rotating adjusting link element connected to an end link element via a connecting pin, with an elastic fastening mechanism that allows for a short configuration, where the elastic fastening device is arranged around a third axis offset from the rotation axis, enabling a compact and reliable length adjustment system that combines guidance and fastening functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an adjusting link with two parallel transverse pins is used for comfort adjustment, then the bracelet length can be adjusted between two stable positions, but the minimum adjustment distance is constrained to about 5 mm due to mechanical constraints of the pins and bores
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the guidance function (first axis) from the fastening function (third axis), allowing independent optimization of each function. This segmentation enables the fastening axis to be positioned optimally for compactness while the guidance axis handles the adjustment motion, achieving both fine adjustment precision and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary elastic element (spring) that mediates between the adjusting link and the end link element. This elastic intermediary allows the fastening mechanism to engage at an offset position while still transmitting the necessary forces for stable fastening, enabling compact design without compromising adjustment precision.
2Length of moving object
If the elastic fastening device is arranged around the first axis (aligned with rotation axis), then the structure is simpler, but the adjustment mechanism cannot achieve compact fine adjustment of 4 mm or less
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fastening mechanism into two independent functional axes: the first axis for guidance and rotation, and the third axis for elastic fastening. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be positioned at an offset location that enables compact adjustment, while the guidance axis maintains the rotational motion. The increased structural complexity is justified by the achieved compactness and fine adjustment capability.
3Reliability
If multiple links and fastening elements are used to guarantee stability in the short position, then reliable fastening is achieved, but the device complexity increases with articulation of several links and transverse pins
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the guidance function and fastening function into a single integrated mechanism that operates around two different axes. The adjusting link rotates around the first axis for guidance while being elastically fastened around the third axis. This merging eliminates the need for separate articulated links and multiple transverse pins, reducing device complexity while maintaining fastening reliability through the elastic fastening mechanism.
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
This solution allows for a precise length adjustment of up to 4 mm or less, enhancing comfort and reliability while maintaining aesthetic integrity by decoupling guidance and fastening functions and using optimized materials for each component.
Implementation Method 1
the bracelet length adjusting device comprises an elastic fastening device so as to elastically fasten together the at least one adjusting link element and the end link element in the short configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Device for adjusting the length of a bracelet, including at least one adjusting link element (23) mounted with the ability to rotate about a first axis (A1), the adjusting link element (23) being connected to an end link element (25) of a bracelet by a connecting pin (26), so that the end link element (25) can occupy two positions, each of these two positions respectively corresponding to a short and long configuration of the length of the bracelet, and wherein the bracelet length adjustment device includes an elastic fastening device so as to elastically fasten together the at least one adjusting link element (23) and the end link element (25) in the short configuration, in which configuration the elastic fastening device is arranged around a third axis (A3) that is not aligned with the first axis (A1).