Cage-Chain Connection Element for Weld-Free Ornamental Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chain necklaces and bracelets require welding for attaching ornamental items, leading to increased production costs, longer times, and inability to replace items once attached.

Innovation Solution

A chain design featuring interposed connection elements with hooks that allow ornamental items to be attached without welding, enabling easy replacement and customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding operations are used to attach ornamental items to cage-shaped elements, then the attachment is strong and permanent, but production costs increase and production time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A connection element is introduced as an intermediary component between two cage-shaped elements. This connection element features a body with a first tab and a second tab, where the first tab connects to the first cage-shaped element and the second tab connects to the second cage-shaped element. This intermediary structure enables mechanical attachment without welding, thereby reducing production time and costs while maintaining attachment strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding operations are performed on finished necklaces or bracelets to add ornamental items, then the items are securely attached, but subsequent brushing and polishing steps are required, increasing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element is pre-formed with tabs that are designed to fit between the tabs of cage-shaped elements. The tabs of the connection element are positioned and dimensioned in advance to ensure proper alignment and mechanical interlocking. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-welding finishing operations, as the mechanical connection is achieved without thermal processes that would require subsequent polishing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If ornamental items are welded to cage-shaped elements, then they are permanently fixed, but they cannot be replaced once attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment permanenceVSAvoiditem replaceability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element provides a dynamic attachment system where ornamental items can be attached and detached. The tabs of the connection element are designed to mechanically interlock with the cage-shaped elements, creating a secure but reversible connection. This allows the necklace or bracelet to be customized by replacing ornamental items as desired, while maintaining stable attachment during wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2205118B1Piece of chain for necklaces or bracelets
Publication Date: 2011.09.14 FOPE
  • EP2205118B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2205118B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention is a piece of chain (100; 110) for necklaces or bracelets, comprising a plurality of cage-shaped elements (1 ), each one of the cage-shaped elements (1 ) being provided with a base (2) and with two or more tabs (4) projecting from the base (2) and suited to clip the cage-shaped elements (1 ) together in succession. The piece of chain (100; 110) comprises, in the space delimited by the tabs (4) and by the base (2) of each one of the cage-shaped elements (1 ), one connection element (10) having one base (11 ) and two hooks (13) projecting from the base (11 ) and suited to engage their end (14) with one or more ornamental items (15).