Embedding Deep-Profile Gemstones in Sheet Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching ornamental stones or crystals to materials are insecure, as they rely on adhesives or thread that can fail, and typically use flat, low-profile rhinestones that do not reflect or refract light as well as deep-profile crystals, resulting in a less appealing product.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for embedding deep-profile stones into sheet materials by cutting slits and holes, using prongs to secure the stone from both sides of the material without adhesives or thread, allowing for secure, even distribution of the stone's weight and preserving its light properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesives or thread are used to attach stones to material, then the attachment method is simple, but the reliability of attachment deteriorates due to thread breakage or adhesive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical bonding (adhesives) and textile fastening (thread) with a mechanical interlocking system using prongs that physically engage with the stone and material layers, eliminating the reliability issues of thread breakage and adhesive failure
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: prongs for mechanical engagement, setting for stone retention, and layered material structure, allowing each component to perform its specific function optimally without the compromises of unified attachment methods
2Ease of manufacture
If flat low-profile rhinestones are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the optical quality deteriorates as they do not reflect or refract light as well as deep-profile crystals
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing deep-profile stones to sit on the surface or compromising their shape, the patent inverts the traditional approach by having the stone extend through the material with the majority of its depth visible on the front surface, allowing full optical performance while maintaining secure attachment through the setting structure
3Illumination intensity
If deep-profile crystals are mounted on the outer surface, then the optical quality is improved, but the device complexity increases and security of attachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of stone mounting, light reflection, and secure attachment into a single integrated setting structure that holds the deep-profile stone while allowing it to extend through the material, eliminating the need for separate surface-mounting and attachment mechanisms
4Reliability
If prongs are crimped over crystals sitting on the outer surface, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates as the setting is visible on the back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface attachment problem to a three-dimensional solution where the stone extends through the material thickness, allowing the setting to be positioned on the back while the stone's visible portion on the front maintains a flush, clean appearance without visible prongs or settings
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for mounting deep-profile gemstones and crystals to a sheet of material. The method and apparatus may set a single stone or multiple stones simultaneously, either manually or in an automated process. A slit is formed in the material to receive the stone. A setting is positioned on the back side of the material with prongs extending through holes in the material, with the prongs being bent into engagement with the stone to retain the stone in the material, without the use of adhesives or thread.