Bracelet With Encapsulated Phase Change Layer for Durable Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional watch bracelets are prone to detachment due to multiple parts made of different materials being sewn or glued together, leading to insufficient customization and decoration, and lack sufficient durability over time.
Innovation Solution
A bracelet design featuring an upper and lower band with a flexible intermediate layer composed of encapsulated phase change materials with varying transition temperatures, integrated between the bands, and made from materials like elastomers and ceramics for enhanced durability and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts made of different materials are sewn or glued together to create a bracelet, then customization and decoration options are increased, but the bracelet becomes prone to detachment and lacks durability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple materials (elastomer, leather, reinforcement elements) into a single integrated bracelet structure through co-molding, eliminating the need for separate parts that would require sewing or gluing. This unified structure maintains customization capabilities while preventing detachment and improving durability, as all materials are bonded at the molecular level during the molding process rather than being mechanically or chemically joined afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining different materials (elastomer base material, leather strips, reinforcement elements) within a single molded structure. The composite nature allows each material to contribute its specific properties (flexibility, aesthetics, strength) while the integrated molding process ensures they remain permanently bonded, resolving the contradiction between customization and durability.
2Strength
If traditional reinforcement inserts are used in leather straps, then structural strength is provided, but the thickness of the bracelet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the base structure, acts as the bonding matrix, and incorporates reinforcement elements within its volume. This multi-functionality allows the bracelet to achieve structural strength without adding separate thick reinforcement layers, as the strength elements are integrated within the existing material volume rather than added as separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement elements are nested within the elastomer material during the molding process. This nesting approach allows the reinforcement structures to be embedded inside the bracelet body, providing structural strength without increasing the external thickness, as the reinforcement elements occupy internal volume rather than adding to the outer dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are assembled together to create a bracelet, then functional diversity is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bracelet structure is prepared in advance during the molding process, where all material components are positioned and bonded simultaneously in a single manufacturing step. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent assembly operations such as sewing or gluing, as the functional diversity is achieved through the molded structure itself rather than through post-assembly of separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process merges multiple materials and structural elements into a single integrated component through co-molding. This merging of materials and processes reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need to handle, position, and bond separate components, while still achieving functional diversity through the varied material composition and structure within the unified bracelet.
4Temperature
If elastomer materials with metallic and ceramic fillers are used, then heat exchange is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite materials with metallic and ceramic fillers embedded in the elastomer matrix improves heat exchange through the high thermal conductivity of the filler particles. The composite structure allows heat to transfer more efficiently through the bracelet, and the molding process is designed to accommodate these fillers without requiring excessive precision, as the fillers are distributed within the material rather than requiring precise positioning.
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 integrated phase change materials provide additional functions such as temperature regulation and improved durability, ensuring the bracelet remains robust and customizable without increasing thickness, even under conditions like water exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a first encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature between 15°C and 20°C, and a second encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature between 25°C and 35°C
Implementation Method 2
the flexible intermediate layer being formed by two encapsulated phase change materials
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bracelet (1) comprising an upper band (2) and a lower band (3) forming at least one strand of the bracelet, the bracelet being characterized in that it comprises a flexible intermediate layer (4) disposed between the upper band (2) and the lower band (3), the flexible intermediate layer (4) being formed by at least one encapsulated phase change material having a transition temperature between 0°C and 40°C.