Elastomer Bracelet with Rigid Insert for Optical Effects

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch bracelets with optical effects lack sufficient protection against environmental conditions, shocks, and abrasion, and often have an unsightly thickness and visible pockets, compromising both functionality and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A watch bracelet made from elastomeric material with a rigid insert featuring a full part for reinforcement and a hollow part to house a fluid and solid elements, positioned at the connection end with the watch box, ensuring mechanical resistance and visibility of the optical effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a transparent plastic pocket filled with liquid and particles is used to create optical effect, then the optical effect is visible, but the protection against environmental conditions, shocks and abrasion is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical effect visibilityVSAvoidprotection against environmental conditions and shocks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the hollow insert containing the fluid and particles is positioned inside the rigid insert, which is then enclosed by the elastomeric material. This multi-layer nesting provides progressive protection: the rigid insert shields the optical effect from shocks and abrasion, while the elastomeric outer layer protects against environmental conditions, allowing the optical effect to remain visible through the transparent layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If a transparent plastic pocket is used for optical effect, then the optical effect is visible, but the overall thickness becomes too great and the pocket remains visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical effect visibilityVSAvoidthickness and aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only the necessary portions transparent: the elastomeric material and rigid insert are transparent in the regions where optical effect visibility is required, while maintaining structural integrity elsewhere. The hollow insert is positioned strategically within the rigid insert to minimize its visible profile, and the overall design ensures the pocket is visible only when needed for the optical effect while keeping the bracelet's overall thickness controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If a rigid insert is used for mechanical resistance, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the integration of optical effects becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical resistanceVSAvoidintegration of optical effects
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the hollow insert as an intermediary element that bridges the rigid insert and the optical effect requirements. The hollow insert contains the fluid and particles, acting as a mediator that allows the rigid insert to maintain its mechanical strength while enabling the optical effect to be integrated within the same structure. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall integration by combining multiple functions into a single coordinated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a watch bracelet with a mastered thickness, enhanced mechanical resistance, and effective protection against environmental conditions, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance by making the optical effect visible.

Implementation Method 1

a hollow part arranged to receive a fluid and solid elements dispersed in the fluid... so that the solution with the suspended particles is visible from the outside of the bracelet strand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4353117B1Bracelet strand with optical effect
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP4353117B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bracelet strand made of transparent or translucent elastomer material, comprising a first end suitable for connection with a watch case, characterized in that it comprises a rigid insert having a solid part forming a reinforcement, and a hollow part arranged to receive a fluid and solid elements dispersed in the fluid, said hollow part being located in the center of the solid part, and in that the insert is coated in the transparent elastomer, and is positioned at the first end suitable for connection with a watch case.