Flexible Membrane Crimping System for Gemstone Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crimping systems for jewelry and timepieces fail to effectively create a visual vibration effect of gemstones due to limited movement and aesthetics issues, such as visibility of spring components and fragility, especially with small stones.
Innovation Solution
A crimping system comprising a crimping support with a gemstone, an elastic member, and a pin extending parallel to the axis of symmetry, where the elastic element is a deformable membrane capable of vibrating to oscillate the support around the axis, allowing for adjustable frequency and amplitude of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spiral or conical spring is used to connect the bezel to the support, then the stone can move and create vibration effect, but the spring becomes visible and undermines the aesthetics of the jewelry article
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is extracted from the visible interior and replaced by an invisible flexible membrane that performs the same connecting function without being visually detectable, thus resolving the contradiction between movement capability and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary element between the bezel and support, providing the necessary flexibility and movement while remaining visually invisible, thus mediating between the functional requirement for movement and the aesthetic requirement for invisibility
2Reliability
If a pin is mounted through the upper part of the kitten to prevent separation, then the kitten remains fixed to the support, but the oscillations of the bezel are dampened and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is removed from the system, eliminating the constraint that dampened oscillations, while the flexible membrane alone provides the necessary connection and movement capability, thus resolving the contradiction between prevention of separation and preservation of oscillation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection parameter is changed from rigid pin fixation to flexible membrane connection, allowing the system to maintain reliability through the membrane's inherent flexibility rather than through restrictive pin positioning, thus enabling full oscillation without permanent fixation
3Length of moving object
If small springs are used for small stones, then the stone can be properly sized, but the springs deform excessively when the stone moves
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the spring is changed from traditional metal to flexible membrane material, which has superior elasticity and resistance to permanent deformation, allowing small springs to move without excessive deformation while maintaining their size-appropriate functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane is composed of elastomeric or polymeric materials that combine flexibility with high elastic recovery, creating a composite material that can deform during stone movement and then return to its original shape, thus preventing permanent deformation in small springs
4Stability of the object's composition
If the elastic element is made rigid to maintain structure, then the assembly is stable, but the visual vibration effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigidity parameter of the elastic element is optimized to a specific range that allows both structural stability and sufficient flexibility for vibration, using flexible membrane materials that provide the right balance between maintaining the bezel's structural integrity and enabling the visual vibration effect
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 system provides a more reliable and aesthetically pleasing animation effect by allowing controlled oscillation of the gemstone, enhancing the visual vibration and reducing the risk of deformation and accidental separation.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element being capable of vibrating so that the crimping support can oscillate with respect to the axis of symmetry, around the distal end
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member attached to the crimp holder so as to flexibly connect the crimp holder to said article
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A setting system (1) for a watch (6) or jewelry item comprising: a setting support (3); a gemstone (2) mounted in or on the setting support (3); an elastic element (5) fixed to the setting support (3) so as to flexibly connect the setting support (3) to said item (6); and a pin (30), integral with the setting support (3) and extending distally from the setting support (3) substantially parallel to an axis of symmetry (15) when the setting system (1) is not oscillating. The pin (30) includes a distal end (31) cooperating with the elastic element (5); the elastic element (5) extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (15) when the crimping system (1) does not oscillate, the elastic element (5) being able to vibrate so that the crimping support (3) can oscillate with respect to the axis of symmetry (15), around the distal end (31).