Earring Support Sleeve for Gauged Ears

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users with gauged ears face difficulty in wearing standard pierced earrings due to the larger hole size required for gauges, as standard earrings do not securely fit in the larger gauge holes.

Innovation Solution

An earring support system comprising an outer sleeve that fits within the gauge hole and a resilient interior keeper that engages with the post of a pierced earring, allowing secure retention of earrings with small diameter posts in larger gauge holes, using materials like stainless steel and silicone for securement and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gauge with a larger hole is used, then the ear ornamentation can accommodate larger gauge sizes, but standard pierced earrings with small diameter posts cannot be securely retained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegauge size accommodationVSAvoidearring retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing a smaller retaining mechanism inside the larger gauge structure. The outer sleeve fits within the gauge hole while the inner resilient keeper engages with the earring post, creating a nested configuration where the smaller earring retention function is contained within the larger gauge accommodation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary retaining mechanism between the gauge hole and the earring post. The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the large gauge hole and the small earring post, providing a transition zone that accommodates both the large hole size and the small post size simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a resilient interior keeper is added to engage with the earring post, then the earring can be securely retained in the gauge hole, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearring retentionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a resilient interior keeper made of flexible material that can deform to engage with the earring post and then return to its original shape to maintain retention. This flexible element provides reliable engagement while maintaining a simple, elegant structure that integrates smoothly within the outer sleeve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the outer sleeve and inner resilient keeper into a single integrated earring support system. Rather than treating these as separate components, the design combines them into a unified structure that functions as one cohesive unit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If flanges, O-rings, or rubber bands are added for added security, then the earring support system becomes more secure, but the ease of operation and wearability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement strengthVSAvoidwearability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the resilient interior keeper, which can deform under insertion forces and then return to its original shape. This elastic parameter change allows the system to provide strong retention without requiring additional rigid securing mechanisms like flanges or rubber bands, maintaining ease of wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient interior keeper provides self-service retention through its inherent elasticity. The material automatically engages with the earring post through elastic deformation and maintains retention without requiring additional active securing mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing securement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system securely retains pierced earrings in gauged ears, accommodating various sizes and types, and can be worn with or without earrings, preventing inadvertent dislodgement with the use of flanges, O-rings, or rubber bands for added security.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient interior keeper that fits into engagement with a catch provided on the post of a pierced earring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10646008B2System and method for supporting an earring in a gauged ear

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 FISHER ARTHUR THERESA MARIE

AI summary

A system for retaining an earring with in a gauge hole of an ear. The system is configured with a sleeve defining a resilient passageway. A post of a pierced earring is releasably secured within the resilient passageway and the sleeve is releasably secured with in the gauge hole of an ear. The system may be used to allow prior art ear gauges to retain pierced earrings within a gauge hole of an ear.