Clasp With Curved Locking Channels And Spring-Driven Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing necklace clasps are difficult for wearers to open and close, often requiring tactile and visual coordination that can be confusing, and lack effective locking mechanisms to prevent accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring a primary and secondary body with grooves and curved locking channels, where a leg slidably engages within these channels for coupling and decoupling, utilizing a spring for secure locking and easy operation, allowing for easy opening and closing with minimal user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pin and barrel clasps are used, then locking function is provided, but the clasp is difficult to open and close requiring complex tactile and visual coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp mechanism automatically locks when the barrel is inserted into the pin through spring-driven legs that engage with curved locking channels. The spring automatically pushes the legs into the locking channels upon insertion, and the rotation motion automatically disengages the legs from the channels, eliminating the need for manual locking or complex coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp uses a dynamic locking mechanism where the legs can move between engaged and disengaged states. The spring provides continuous force to maintain the legs in the locking channels during normal wear, but allows automatic disengagement when rotation force is applied, creating a dynamic system that adapts to user input.
2Reliability
If traditional clasps are designed with locking mechanisms, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into distinct functional components: the pin body, the barrel, multiple spring-driven legs, and curved locking channels. Each component has a specific function, and the segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the locking function through the coordinated interaction of these modular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism and locking legs are combined into a single integrated assembly that automatically performs both the locking and unlocking functions. The springs are positioned within the barrel and directly drive the legs, merging the energy storage function with the locking mechanism to reduce overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple locking points are provided, then security is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each spring-driven leg assembly serves multiple functions: it provides locking engagement through the curved channels, maintains constant contact force via spring pressure, and enables automatic unlocking through rotation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while enhancing security.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved locking channels are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow the legs to engage at multiple points along the curve. By changing the curvature and positioning of these channels, the system achieves enhanced security through multiple engagement points without requiring additional discrete locking components, maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 clasp provides an intuitive and secure mechanism for coupling and decoupling, ensuring easy operation and preventing accidental separation, while being cost-effective to produce.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is positioned within the bore and applies an expansion force between the bore proximal end and the rod distal end for maintaining the leg within the curved locking channel
Data Source
AI summary
A clasp which has a primary body and a secondary body couples an elongated member. A bore has a groove within the primary body. A rod has a leg coupled to the secondary body and slidably engages the groove. A shaped locking channel is coupled to the groove. The leg engages with the shaped locking channel for coupling and decoupling the primary body with the secondary body.