Earring Clasp with Spiral Spring for Ergonomic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earring clasps, such as the ALPA system, are difficult to handle due to their small size and thin design, making them challenging for people who appreciate jewelry and those of advanced age, and lack a secure and ergonomic grip.
Innovation Solution
A universal earring clasp with a base body featuring a horizontal guide cylinder, support branches, and jaws with a spiral spring mechanism that provides a larger pressure surface and ergonomic grip, allowing for easy handling and secure locking compatible with ALPA systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the clasp is designed to be thin and compact (2mm), then it maintains a sleek appearance and is compatible with existing ALPA systems, but it becomes very difficult to handle and lacks ergonomic grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the functional components (spring mechanism, locking ridge, notched rod) within a compact clasp body that maintains external compatibility with ALPA systems while providing an enlarged external grip surface. The nested arrangement allows the mechanism to remain thin (2mm) while the outer surface is expanded for ergonomic handling.
2Ease of operation
If the clasp mechanism is simplified for easier handling, then ease of operation improves, but the security and reliability of the locking mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into distinct functional segments: an enlarged external grip surface for ease of handling, a spring mechanism for automatic locking, a notched rod for secure engagement, and a locking ridge for positive latching. Each segment performs its specific function independently, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism acts as an intermediary that translates the user's simple pressing action on the enlarged surface into a complex sequence of movements: compressing the spring, disengaging the locking ridge, inserting the notched rod, and automatically latching. This intermediary mechanism ensures secure locking while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the clasp is designed with a larger pressure surface for better grip, then ease of operation improves, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enlarged external surface serves multiple functions: it provides an ergonomic grip surface for easy handling, maintains external compatibility with ALPA system earring posts, and houses the internal spring and locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows the clasp to be larger where needed for handling while remaining compact where needed for compatibility.
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 new clasp design enhances usability and security for earrings by providing a more substantial grip and reliable locking mechanism, suitable for a wider range of users, including those with dexterity issues, while maintaining compatibility with existing ALPA systems and being cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is mounted on the handle, which is fitted inside the body so that the spring presses at one end against the handle and at the other end against the body
Implementation Method 2
the return spring is a spiral spring provided with two ends presenting an angle comprised between 70° and 110°
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A clasp for a jewellery item comprising: - a base body (100) comprising a horizontal base (101) perforated at the centre of same by an opening (102) intended to receive a notched rod (1), said base body (100) comprising a vertical guide cylinder (102) and first (110) and second (120) support arms, in which the first support arm comprises, in the lower part of same, a first bore (111) intended to receive a horizontal assembly and articulation pin (800), in which the second support arm (120) comprises, in the lower part of same, a second bore (121) intended to receive said assembly and articulation pin (800); - a first jaw (200) comprising a first tab (210) provided with a third bore (211) and a second tab (220) provided with a fourth bore (221), said third and fourth bores being configured to become aligned with said first and second bores (111, 121); - a second jaw (300) comprising a first tab (310) provided with a fifth bore (311) and a second tab (320) provided with a sixth bore (321), said fifth (311) and sixth (321) bores being configured to become aligned with said first and second bores (111, 121); in which the edges of said first and second jaws (200; 300) have a slightly convex profile configured to cooperate with the edges of said support arms (110, 120) in order to allow slight rotation about the alignment axis of the bores with the aim of implementing a locking mechanism of a notched rod.