Folding Clasp with Movable Bar for Tool-Free Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracelet clasps with folding mechanisms lack a simple and stable adjustment system that allows for fine-tuning of the bracelet length without tools, often requiring dexterity and risking damage, and they lose adjustment settings when opened.
Innovation Solution
A folding clasp design featuring a movable bar with distinct positions for length adjustment, where the user can change the bracelet length by pressing pushers to move the bar between positions, which are then locked, and a locking mechanism to maintain the closed state without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a folding clasp with a cover having a series of pairs of holes for accommodating the ends of a strap attachment bar is used, then the bracelet length can be adjusted, but the adjustment holes are visible on the sides of the case and adjusting requires a pointed tool which could damage the case
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the visible cover area and relocated to the interior of the clasp structure. The bar with transverse grooves and positioning nipples is integrated into the clasp body, hiding all adjustment components from external view while maintaining full adjustability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A push-button release mechanism acts as an intermediary that allows tool-free adjustment. The button activates a release system that enables the bar to move between positioning grooves without requiring direct manual manipulation with tools, eliminating the risk of case damage.
2Ease of operation
If a clasp with a trigger mechanism is used, then tool-free adjustment is enabled, but the bracelet length setting is lost each time the clasp is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The bar is preliminarily positioned in specific transverse grooves that correspond to predetermined bracelet lengths before the clasp is closed. The locking mechanism then secures this pre-established position, ensuring the setting is maintained through subsequent opening and closing cycles without requiring re-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position mechanism to a dynamic multi-position system. The bar can move between multiple transverse grooves during adjustment, but once positioned, the locking mechanism stabilizes it dynamically, allowing controlled movement during adjustment while maintaining stability during normal use.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanism for adjusting the bracelet length is incorporated, then finer adjustments are possible, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bar serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a positioning mechanism through its interaction with transverse grooves, and an adjustment device. The transverse grooves themselves serve both as structural features and as positioning guides, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the existing clasp structure. The bar is integrated into the clasp body, and the transverse grooves are formed as part of the clasp components rather than as separate adjustment features. This merging allows precise multi-position adjustment while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bracelet clasp of the folding clasp type, comprising first and second blades hinged to each other between a closed, wearing position and an open position. The first blade carries a fastening element for a first bracelet strand. The second blade comprises, at its other end, means for adjusting the bracelet length. The clasp further includes at least one locking element for holding the first and second blades in their closed position. According to the invention, the length adjustment means comprise a bar movable relative to the second blade and carrying a pin for insertion into a hole in the bracelet to define an anchor point for the bracelet to the clasp. The movable bar is capable of moving to define at least two positions associated with a usable bracelet length.