Folding Buckle Clasp With Elastic Link for Compact Timepiece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding buckle clasps for timepiece bracelets are excessively large due to complex assemblies, compromising comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A folding buckle clasp with a flexible locking member comprising pivotable blades and an elastic link that connects two components, allowing the clasp to be compact in the closed position and securely unfold for removal, utilizing a monolithic design with a flexible locking mechanism that incorporates an elastic link to maintain the blades in a locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional folding buckle clasp uses a complex assembly with pushbutton device and associated mechanism, then the locking functionality is reliable, but the size of the clasp becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible locking member is divided into two components (first and second arms) connected by an elastic link, allowing each segment to perform specific functions while maintaining overall compactness. This segmentation enables the locking mechanism to achieve reliable functionality without requiring a large integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a flexible member with elastic properties that can dynamically adapt between locked and unlocked states. The elastic link between components allows the structure to deform and return, providing reliable locking through dynamic mechanical behavior rather than static complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the clasp uses a complex assembly of parts, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the comfort associated with wearing the timepiece is considerably impaired
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the flexible locking member into two components connected by an elastic link, the design achieves secure locking through distributed mechanical engagement rather than a single large complex assembly, thereby improving comfort while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible locking member with elastic link functions as a flexible structural element that can adapt to the bracelet's curvature and the wearer's wrist shape, providing secure locking without the rigidity and bulk of conventional assemblies, thus improving wearing comfort.
3Reliability
If the clasp has a complex assembly with pushbutton device, then the unlocking functionality is reliable, but the esthetic appearance of the clasp is significantly negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the pushbutton device and associated complex mechanisms from the visible structure, replacing them with a sleek flexible locking member that maintains reliable unlocking functionality through its elastic mechanical action, thereby preserving esthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible locking member presents a smooth, continuous aesthetic form without the visual disruption of buttons, seams, or complex mechanical interfaces. Its elastic nature allows it to maintain a clean appearance while providing reliable locking and unlocking functionality.
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 compact and secure clasp that enhances comfort and aesthetic appeal by minimizing visible thickness while ensuring reliable locking and unlocking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
said flexible member being defined to keep the first and second blades folded in a locked manner in the closed position of the clasp by having two components connected together by an elastic link
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a folding buckle clasp for a strap (2) of a timepiece (3), which can take up a closed position for keeping the strap (2) around the wearer's wrist and an open position for removing the strap (2) from the wearer's hand, the clasp (1) being provided with a flexible locking member (4) comprising ends (5) that are mounted in a pivotable manner with first and second folding leaves (6a, 6b) attached in a hinged manner to first and second strands (7a, 7b), respectively, of the strap (2), said flexible member (4) being defined to keep the first and second leaves (6a, 6b) folded in a locked manner in the closed position of the clasp (1) by having two components (8a, 8b) connected together by an elastic connection (9).