Expandable Jewelry Link for Wearer-Adjustable Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets often require resizing, which is a tedious process typically performed by a jeweler, as there is no connectable, adjustable length component that can be easily modified by the wearer.

Innovation Solution

An expandable link system comprising a first piece and a second piece that are moveably connected, allowing for adjustable length configurations, enabling users to easily increase or decrease the length of jewelry by positioning the first piece along the second piece, forming adjustable length necklaces, bracelets, or clasps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional jewelry resizing methods are used, then the jewelry can be resized, but the process is tedious and requires professional intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of resizingVSAvoidcomplexity of resizing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jewelry piece is divided into multiple modular segments or links that can be independently adjusted. Each segment contains connection elements that allow individual adjustment, enabling the wearer to modify the overall length by adding or removing segments without requiring professional intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jewelry incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms such as movable links, telescopic sections, or magnetic connectors that allow the wearer to easily change the length on-the-fly. This transforms the static jewelry into a dynamic system that can be continuously adjusted to fit different preferences or occasions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-length jewelry is manufactured, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the jewelry cannot be easily adjusted by the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of lengthVSAvoidease of manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The jewelry incorporates universal connection elements that can accommodate multiple configurations and lengths. Standardized connectors, links, or adjustment mechanisms are designed to work across different sections, allowing the same base component to serve multiple functions and enable various length configurations without requiring entirely different manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The jewelry design includes nested or telescopic elements where smaller components fit within larger ones, allowing for compact storage when not in use and easy expansion when adjustment is needed. This nesting principle enables the jewelry to maintain a simple manufactured form while providing complex adjustment capabilities through the nested components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11470924B2Expandable link

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 LAROUSSINI SHEILA

AI summary

Implementations of an expandable link are provided. In some implementations, the expandable link comprises a first piece and a second piece moveably connected in an adjustable length configuration.In some implementations, a method of using the expandable link comprises adjusting the expandable link to increase or reduce the length of the expandable link. In some implementations, a method of using the expandable link comprises connecting one or more of the expandable links to form an adjustable portion of a piece of jewelry or to form a piece of adjustable jewelry.