Interchangeable Jewelry Base and Head Mount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Customers are unable to view different combinations of jewelry heads and bases prior to purchase since they are typically sold as fused pieces, limiting customization and selection.

Innovation Solution

Designing interchangeable jewelry with a base and head mount that can be releasably attached and secured using a tapered receptacle and insert system, allowing for easy mixing and matching of components before permanent attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the head mount and base are fused together, then the jewelry structure is stable and secure, but the customer cannot view different combinations of heads and bases prior to purchase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to try different combinationsVSAvoidStructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The jewelry piece is divided into two separate components: a base and a head mount. The base includes a receptacle that can receive the head mount, allowing them to be separated yet still form a complete jewelry piece when assembled. This segmentation enables customers to try different combinations while maintaining structural integrity when paired.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head mount is designed to nest within the receptacle of the base. The receptacle has a tapered configuration that receives the head mount, allowing the head mount to be inserted and held securely within the base structure, similar to nested dolls fitting together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the head mount and base are made interchangeable, then customers can view different combinations, but the head mount may fall out of the base

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInterchangeabilityVSAvoidRetention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle has a tapered configuration where the width varies along its length - wider at the opening and narrower toward the bottom. This creates different local qualities: the wider opening allows easy insertion of the head mount, while the narrower lower portion provides secure retention, preventing the head mount from falling out.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the head mount is easily removable from the base, then customers can switch between different pairs, but the attachment security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of removalVSAvoidAttachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between head mount and base is dynamic rather than static. The tapered receptacle allows the head mount to be easily inserted and removed by customers, yet when properly assembled, provides sufficient attachment strength for normal wear. The design accommodates both ease of operation and adequate strength through its geometric configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11464302B1Interchangeable piece or set of jewelry

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 WONDERMENT INC

AI summary

An interchangeable piece of jewelry including a base and a head mount. The base includes an inner wall that defines a receptacle. The head mount includes a setting and an insert, the setting configured to retain a jewel therein and the insert being dimensioned to sit within the receptacle of the base. When the insert rests within the receptacle, an outer wall of the insert at a distal end contacts the inner wall of the receptacle such that the head mount is releasably secured within the receptacle, and the outer wall of the insert that is adjacent a proximal end and within the receptacle is spaced apart from the inner wall.