Elastic Ring Jewellery with Deformable Tabs for Stress-Resistant Expansion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jewelry items with adjustable diameters face limitations in size and mechanical stress resistance, leading to potential breakage due to the number and design of connection means, restricting aesthetic and graphic possibilities and durability.

Innovation Solution

The use of an annular elastic element with slidably arranged modules and connection members, including intermediate and terminal connection members with pins and deformable tabs, allows for a smaller number of modules while maintaining high axial dimensions, enabling greater expansion and stress resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a high number of link elements are used to maintain small dimensions, then the jewellery item can adapt to different sizes, but the connection means are prone to breaking due to limited stress resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adaptabilityVSAvoidconnection durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The jewellery item is divided into multiple link elements connected by connection means, allowing the structure to expand and contract while distributing mechanical stress across multiple connection points rather than concentrating it in a single location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection means incorporates a deformable tab that can elastically deform under stress, changing its physical state from rigid to flexible during stress events, then returning to its original shape, thereby absorbing energy and preventing breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If link elements have small axial dimensions, then more connection means are required, but this increases the risk of breaking under stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of modulesVSAvoidstress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the deformable tab can flex and deform elastically under stress, allowing the connection to absorb and dissipate energy without permanent deformation or failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If link elements have greater axial dimensions, then aesthetic possibilities increase, but the number of modules decreases limiting size adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic varietyVSAvoiddiameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The jewellery item is divided into multiple link elements connected by connection means, allowing the structure to expand and contract while distributing mechanical stress across multiple connection points rather than concentrating it in a single location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection means transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the deformable tab can flex and deform elastically under stress, allowing the connection to absorb and dissipate energy without permanent deformation or failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If rigid connection means are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the connection breaks under repeated stress from diameter changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidresistance to repeated stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means incorporates a deformable tab that can elastically deform under stress, changing its physical state from rigid to flexible during stress events, then returning to its original shape, thereby absorbing energy and preventing breakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design allows for a more durable and versatile jewelry item with a higher number of aesthetic and graphic combinations, capable of expanding to accommodate different sizes without breaking, using a smaller number of modules compared to prior art solutions.

Implementation Method 1

an annular elastic element (2) on which there are slidably arranged modules or link elements (3)... allowing to change (widen) the diameter D of said item

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

intermediate connection members (5)... with pins (17) and deformable tabs (24)... significantly resistant, more than similar items already available in the market, to the stresses felt when changing the diameter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4302632B1Improved extensible jewellery item

Publication Date: 2024.10.30 ELLE DI IAPICHINO LUCA SAS

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AI summary

A jewellery item (1) comprises a plurality of link elements or modules (3) on an elastic annular element (2), connected to each other but which can be limitedly moved away from each other, there being provided for tubular constraint means (5) interposed between each pair of link elements or modules (3) adapted to allow said mutual limited moving away.