Extendable Clasp Band Structure for Quick Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bands for devices like watches struggle to easily adjust length between normal use on the arm and use over thick fabrics, such as wetsuits, without compromising reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring a U-shaped first extension link rotatably supported at one end of the clasp cover and a second extension link connected via a spring bar, allowing for easy length adjustment by pulling out the second link from the clasp cover without detaching the clasp, with spring bars securely fixing the extended state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the band length is adjusted by sliding a spring bar in a length adjusting plate, then fine adjustment of band length is achieved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension link is divided into multiple segments (first extension link and second extension link) connected by spring bars. This segmentation allows the extension link to be stored compactly within the clasp cover while enabling reliable extension when needed, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension link is nested within the clasp cover when not in use. The first extension link and second extension link are arranged such that they can be stored inside the clasp cover, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and maintaining reliability while enabling easy adjustment.
2Shape
If the extension link is stored inside the clasp cover, then a neat appearance is maintained, but the ease of length adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extension link is pre-positioned within the clasp cover in a stored state. When length adjustment is needed, the user simply pulls the extension link outward, and the spring bars automatically engage with the band links to secure the extended position, making adjustment as easy as pulling while maintaining neat appearance when stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension link transitions from a static stored position inside the clasp cover to a dynamic extended position outside the clasp cover. The spring bars provide dynamic locking at different positions, enabling easy adjustment while maintaining neat appearance when not in use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clasp is detached to adjust band length, then complete length adjustment is achieved, but the time required for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension link serves multiple functions: it extends the band length, provides adjustment capability, and maintains connection security. By integrating these functions into a single component that remains attached to the clasp, the system achieves complete length adjustment without requiring detachment, saving time while maintaining versatility.
4Ease of operation
If the spring bar is made detachable for adjustment, then ease of adjustment is improved, but accidental detachment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring bar acts as an intermediary component between the extension link and the band links. It provides a secure mechanical connection that allows controlled adjustment while preventing accidental detachment through its elastic locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and anti-detachment reliability.
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
Enables flexible and quick length adjustments without releasing the connected state, maintaining reliability and durability even under harsh conditions, preventing accidental detachment, and ensuring a neat appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a second extension link connected to an open end side of the first extension link via a connecting member, wherein, the second extension link is fixed to the first extension link at a position different from a connected position in the connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A clasp including: a first extension link that is formed in a U-shape and in which a closed end side is rotatably supported at one end of a clasp cover of a band; and a second extension link connected to an open end side of the first extension link via a connecting member, wherein, the second extension link is fixed to the first extension link at a position different from a connected position in the connecting member, and the first extension link is fixed to the clasp cover at a position different from the one end of the clasp cover where the first extension link is rotatably supported.