Clamping Ring Ornament Setting for Tool-Free Gem Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jewelry settings require specialized skills and tools for easy and secure detachment and exchange of gemstones or ornaments, particularly when made of soft metals like gold or silver, and do not allow for aesthetic flexibility in design.
Innovation Solution
A clamping ring system with a spring metal layer that snaps into place around ornament holders, allowing for easy rotation to secure or release the ornament, utilizing a modular design with protuberances and indentations for secure locking and made from layers that can be easily swapped for different appearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional prong settings are used to securely hold ornaments, then the ornament is held securely in place, but the setting requires substantial skill and specialized equipment to mount and replace the ornament
Solution Approach 1:
The setting is divided into separate functional components: a base structure with grooves for ornament placement and a separate clamping ring that can be independently applied and removed. This segmentation allows the ornament to be securely held by the grooves while enabling easy replacement by simply removing the clamping ring without requiring specialized tools or skills
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring acts as an intermediary element that provides the securing function without being integrated into the base structure. This intermediary component can be easily applied and removed, facilitating simple ornament replacement while maintaining secure holding when engaged
2Reliability
If prongs are folded back over the stone to confine it, then the ornament is held securely, but the visible parts of prongs partially cover the stone and are aesthetically undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is extracted from the base structure and placed into a separate removable clamping ring. This allows the base structure to have clean, aesthetic grooves that do not visually interfere with the ornament, while the clamping ring provides the necessary securing action when engaged but can be removed if aesthetic purity is desired
3Ease of operation
If titanium gem settings with resilient ornament holders are used to allow tool-free gem mounting, then the setting works for resilient materials, but the construction requires special tools and is restricted to materials with high capacity for storing tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the holding function (grooves in base) from the securing function (clamping ring), the system eliminates the need for resilient materials. The grooves provide stable ornament placement while the rigid clamping ring provides secure engagement, allowing use with soft metals like gold and silver that cannot store sufficient tensile force
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient deformation mechanism is replaced with a rigid clamping mechanism. Instead of relying on material elasticity to hold the ornament, the system uses mechanical engagement between the clamping ring and base structure, making the setting compatible with materials that lack high tensile storage capacity
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent detachment and replacement of ornaments is performed, then design changes are enabled, but wear on components increases and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The separable design with distinct base structure and clamping ring components allows frequent engagement and disengagement without cumulative wear affecting security. Each component maintains its structural integrity independently, and the simple mechanical engagement minimizes wear during repeated use
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are pre-formed in the base structure to precisely accommodate the ornament, eliminating the need for repeated adjustment or forcing during replacement operations. This preliminary preparation ensures consistent, secure fitting with each ornament change while minimizing stress on components
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 secure and tool-free detachment and exchange of ornaments across various materials, reducing wear on components and allowing for frequent design changes without compromising security or aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
the spring metal layer is arranged to flex outwardly as said clamping ring is rotated from its release position to its clamping position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ornament setting for a detachable ornament (3), comprising a setting base (1); two opposing ornament holders (2a,b) fixedly attached to or integral with said setting base (1) and adapted for holding the ornament (3) between them; a clamping ring (4) encirculating said ornament holders (2a,b), which clamping ring (4) has inner dimensions such that in a release orientation of the clamping ring it allows release of said ornament (3), and in a clamping orientation the clamping ring (4) exerts a clamping force on said ornament holders to grip and secure said ornament (3) placed between the ornament holders (2a,b), wherein the clamping ring (4) comprises a spring metal layer (4c) and at least one other layer (4a,b,d,e). The present invention further relates to a method of detaching and remounting an ornament in said ornament base jewelry, as well as jewelry and watches comprising said ornament setting.