Elastic Clasp Device with Perpendicular Locking Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clasp designs for jewelry and similar items often fail to provide robust and reliable retention of the rod, leading to frequent dislodging due to reduced frictional engagement as the material wears out, and are difficult to use, especially for individuals with arthritis, due to inadequate guidance and support.

Innovation Solution

A clasp device featuring a body with a channel and a locking mechanism comprising a first arm that exerts a restoring force on a second arm, allowing the rod to be securely locked and unlocked by applying a perpendicular force, with a groove to prevent movement along the channel axis, providing enhanced guidance and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If frictional engagement is used to retain the rod, then the clasp design is simple, but the retention becomes unreliable as material fatigues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclasp design simplicityVSAvoidrod retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical retention system with a positive mechanical locking system. The locking element engages with the rod through geometric interlocking (protrusion fitting into recess), eliminating dependence on friction that degrades with material fatigue. This substitution provides reliable retention while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the clasp uses a tight frictional engagement, then rod retention is improved, but inserting the pin becomes difficult for arthritic fingers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod retentionVSAvoidpin insertion ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift position during insertion and locking. The element can be moved to an inserted position for easy rod insertion, then shifted to a locked position for secure retention. This dynamic behavior provides both ease of operation and reliable retention without requiring excessive insertion force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the rod is tightly secured in the clasp, then retention is robust, but the rod guidance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod retention robustnessVSAvoidrod guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element serves as an intermediary component between the rod and the clasp body. It provides both guidance functions (through its positioning relative to the rod's protrusion) and retention functions (through the engagement mechanism). This intermediary element simultaneously addresses guidance and robust retention requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the clasp design allows easy rod insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the rod may slip out due to reduced friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod insertion easeVSAvoidrod retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is pre-positioned or designed to automatically engage with the rod's protrusion during insertion. The geometric configuration ensures that as the rod is inserted, the locking element naturally shifts to its locked position, providing retention action before the insertion is complete. This preliminary locking action prevents subsequent slippage while maintaining easy insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device ensures better guidance and robust retention of the rod, reducing accidental unlocking and improving usability, especially for those with arthritis, by maintaining the rod's secure position through a combination of channel and groove design and elastic arm mechanics.

Implementation Method 1

The first arm is elastic and configured to exert a restoring force on the second arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4417082A1Clasp device for attaching an item of jewellery, jewellery, leather goods or watchmaking

Publication Date: 2024.08.21 D HEURE EN HEURE SARL

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AI summary

A clasp device (100) for securing a jewelry, watch, leather goods, or timepiece item, the device comprising a body (10) having a channel (15) configured to receive a stem (20) of the item, a locking element (30) comprising a first arm (32) extending substantially in the direction of the channel (16), and a second arm (33), integral with the first arm (32) and extending substantially perpendicular to the channel (16), the second arm (33) having an opening (36) having a lateral dimension substantially equal to that of the channel (15). The first arm (32) is configured to exert a restoring force on the second arm (33), so as to maintain it in a locked position in which the opening (36) is not coaxial with the channel (15).The second arm (33) can be moved into an unlocked position by applying pressure to the first arm (32) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the channel (16), so as to be able to introduce the rod (20) into the opening (36).