Grooved Gemstone Mounting for Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invisible gemstone settings face issues with stones falling out due to changes in the setting's shape over time, requiring skilled labor and time-consuming processes for setting and re-setting, especially with multiple stones.
Innovation Solution
A separate mounting system for grooved gemstones that can distort and lock into the setting, eliminating the need for protrusions within the setting and allowing for deformation or breakage to secure the gemstone, using tools for deformation or breakage to achieve a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the setting changes shape over time due to temperature or wear, then the stone may fall out of the mounting, but making the fit tighter initially requires more complex setting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The setting is divided into two independent components: the mounting (which holds the stone) and the setting body. The mounting can be removed and replaced independently without affecting the setting structure, allowing the stone to be securely held while simplifying the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting is designed to be deformable during insertion, allowing it to flex and lock into the setting groove. This dynamic behavior enables the mounting to achieve a secure fit initially and maintain retention even if the setting changes shape over time.
2Reliability
If the setting bends in a particular direction, then all stones mounted in a row are liable to fall out, but reinforcing the setting increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Each stone is held by its own independent mounting that can be inserted and secured separately. If one mounting fails or the setting bends in one location, other mountings remain unaffected and continue to secure their stones.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting design allows for adjustment of retention parameters through deformation during insertion. The mounting can be deformed to lock into the setting, providing a secure fit that compensates for potential setting deformation without requiring the setting itself to be overly reinforced.
3Productivity
If a tight fit is required to prevent stones from falling out, then skilled labor and time are required for setting, but using a looser fit allows easier setting while risking stone loss
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting is pre-formed with extensions and protrusions designed to fit into the setting groove and hold the stone. This preliminary preparation allows the mounting to be quickly inserted and secured without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment by skilled setters.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual dexterity and skill required for traditional stone setting is replaced by the mechanical design of the mounting system. The mounting's deformable structure and locking mechanism automatically achieve secure retention upon insertion, eliminating the need for skilled manual manipulation.
4Reliability
If the setting structure is made more complex to ensure secure stone holding, then the setting time increases, but simpler structures reduce security
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting is designed as a separate, pre-fabricated component that can be manufactured independently and inserted quickly. This segmentation allows for optimized production of the mounting itself while keeping the setting process simple and fast.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting's deformable structure allows it to dynamically adapt and lock into the setting groove during a single insertion motion. This dynamic locking action secures the stone quickly without requiring multiple steps or extended setting time.
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 secure and efficient method for mounting gemstones, reducing the risk of stones falling out and simplifying the process, enabling the use of flawed gemstones and allowing for automation in the mounting process.
Implementation Method 1
The holding configuration may be designed to undergo distortion when fitting into the setting, the distortion being for the purpose of lockingly holding the particular mounting to the setting
Implementation Method 2
the mounting is configured to be deformed upon pulling inwardly about contouring on the setting, the deformation being such as to lever the extensions to push the protrusion inwardly into the groove
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting holds a grooved gemstone invisibly to a setting. One end of the mounting has arms or extensions to receive the gemstone and protrusions extending inwardly from the arms to fit in the grooves of the gemstone, the mounting further comprising a holding configuration for holding the mounting to the setting. Insertion of the mounting into the setting may in one version distort the holding configuration and levers the arms to press harder into the groove.