Interchangeable Watch Buckle with Latch and Resilient Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckle systems for watches are difficult to remove and interchange without tools, often requiring modified bracelets, leading to discomfort, material deterioration, and increased allergy risks due to nickel exposure, and are not universally compatible with standard bracelets.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable buckle device featuring a bar with a articulated tongue, an insert with a channel, and a latch held by resilient return means, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without modifying the bracelet, providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing solution compatible with standard bracelets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bar system is used to attach the buckle to the bracelet, then the buckle can be interchanged, but the latch piece rubs against the wearer's skin causing discomfort and exposing the pump bar system to perspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful pump bar system from direct contact with the wearer's skin by introducing a protective cover element. The bar is covered with a material that does not contact the skin, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of perspiration exposure and material deterioration while preserving the interchangeability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary protective cover between the pump bar system and the wearer's skin. This cover element serves as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the metal components and perspiration, thereby protecting both the wearer from allergies and the buckle from deterioration.
2Ease of operation
If the bar is inserted into an elongated opening in the bracelet, then the buckle can be attached, but the hole remains visible and can collect detritus
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the visible hole from the bracelet structure by covering it with a protective element. The opening that previously remained visible and collected detritus is now covered, eliminating the aesthetic defect and the problem of detritus accumulation while preserving the attachment function.
3Ease of operation
If the latch is moved along the axis of the bar to remove it, then the buckle can be detached, but the bracelet strand deforms and the radial movement play increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the removal mechanism by introducing a separate lever element that operates independently from the bracelet strand. The lever can be actuated to release the latch without requiring movement along the bar axis, thereby preventing deformation of the bracelet strand and maintaining its structural stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard bracelets are used without modification, then compatibility is improved, but existing buckle systems cannot be assembled on them
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal buckle system that can be assembled on standard bracelets without modification. The bar and latch mechanism is designed to work with the existing structure of commercial bracelets, making the system multi-functional and compatible with various bracelet types without requiring manufacturing changes.
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
Enables quick and safe interchange of bracelets without tools, reducing discomfort and allergy risks, while maintaining compatibility with commercially available bracelets and preventing material deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a latch (6) arranged to slide from a locked position in which the bar (3) is held in the channel (50) to an open position in which the bar (3) is free, the latch (6) being held in its locked position by resilient return means (500, 510)
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable buckle device including a buckle provided with a bar around which a tongue is articulated, the device including an insert provided with a channel arranged to receive the bar, and a latch arranged to cooperate with the insert so as to close the channel, the latch being arranged to move from a locked position in which the bar is held in the channel to an open position in which the bar is free, the latch being held in its locked position by a resilient return.