Folding Clasp Blocking Mechanism for Wristwatch Pin Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible wristwatch bracelets, especially those made of natural materials like leather, tend to lose rigidity over time due to wear and tear, causing the pin in folding clasps to slip out, leading to accidental watch falls.
Innovation Solution
A folding clasp with a blocking mechanism featuring leaf spring elements that securely hold the pin in place, preventing it from slipping out, which can be easily retrofitted onto existing clasps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pin is used to fix the axial position of the bracelet in folding clasps, then the bracelet can be adjusted to different positions, but the pin may accidentally slip out when the bracelet loses rigidity due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by providing a blocking means that proactively prevents the pin from slipping out of the bracelet. The blocking means is designed to engage with the pin and physically block its movement, counteracting the tendency of the pin to slip out due to bracelet wear and loss of rigidity. This preventive measure ensures that even when the bracelet material degrades over time, the pin remains securely in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means acts as an intermediary element between the pin and the bracelet. Instead of relying solely on the pin's direct engagement with the bracelet holes (which becomes unreliable as the bracelet wears), the blocking means introduces an additional securing mechanism that mediates the connection. This intermediary component provides an extra layer of security without interfering with the adjustability function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bracelet material softens and wears over time, then the bracelet becomes more flexible and comfortable, but the pin holes become loose and the pin can slip out
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means provides preliminary anti-action by preventing the pin from slipping out before it actually happens. It anticipates the problem of pin slippage caused by bracelet wear and implements a preventive blocking mechanism that remains effective throughout the bracelet's service life, regardless of material degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means serves as a form of beforehand cushioning by providing a safety backup against the harmful effect of pin slippage. Just as cushioning prepares for potential impact, the blocking means prepares for potential pin disengagement, ensuring that even if the bracelet material fails to hold the pin, the blocking mechanism prevents accidental removal.
3Reliability
If a blocking means is added to prevent pin slippage, then the reliability of the folding clasp is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is designed with multi-functionality to minimize the increase in device complexity. It serves multiple purposes: blocking pin slippage, maintaining bracelet adjustability, and potentially serving as part of the overall clasp mechanism. By making the blocking means multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies merging by integrating the blocking means into the existing folding clasp structure. Rather than adding a completely separate and independent blocking device, the blocking means is combined with existing components of the folding clasp, such as the pin mechanism or bracelet adjustment system. This integration approach increases reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reducing the total number of discrete parts.
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
Prevents unintentional removal of the watch by maintaining the pin's secure position within the bracelet, ensuring the watch remains attached to the wrist even as the bracelet loses rigidity, extending the lifespan of the strap and maintaining the clasp's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking means (8) having a blocking opening (84) designed to receive and hold the distal end of the pin (74)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a folding clasp for a wrist watch comprising a first bracket (3) and a second bracket (4), wherein the first bracket (3) has a first securing mechanism (6) for securing a wristband or a watch housing of the wrist watch, wherein the second bracket (4) has a second securing mechanism (7) for securing the wristband (2) of the wrist watch, wherein the first bracket (3) and the second bracket (4) are moveably connected to one another, such that the first and the second brackets (3, 4) can be moved relative to one another between an open state and a closed state of the folding clasp (1), wherein the folding clasp has a locking mechanism (9) in order to retain the first and the second brackets (3, 4) in the closed state, wherein the second securing mechanism (7) has a protruding pin (74) which is designed to be guided through the wristband (2) in order to secure the wristband in various axial positions in the second securing mechanism (7), wherein the second securing mechanism (7) has a blocking means (8) which is designed to retain the distal end of the pin (74) guided through the wristband (2) such that the wristband is blocked on the pin (74) in the open state of the folding clasp (1).