Jewelry Clip Spring Biasing for Wear-Resistant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jewelry clips tend to fall off elongated members like bracelets and necklaces due to insufficient retention, especially as the resilient elements wear out over time.
Innovation Solution
A jewelry clip design featuring a hinge mechanism with a discrete compression or torsion spring that biases the clip toward a closed state, enhancing retention by providing a clamping force and minimizing play, combined with resilient elements that offer frictional resistance to secure the clip on the elongated member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resilient element is used to secure the jewelry clip to the elongated member, then the clip can be easily attached and removed, but the retention force decreases over time as the resilient element wears out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring mechanism that changes the operational parameters of the jewelry clip by providing a biasing force. This spring-loaded mechanism maintains consistent retention force by mechanically compensating for wear in the resilient element, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic spring mechanism that actively adjusts to maintain retention force. The spring's ability to compress and expand dynamically compensates for wear in the resilient element, ensuring consistent performance while maintaining ease of attachment and removal
2Reliability
If the jewelry clip is designed to remain closed securely, then retention on the elongated member is improved, but the clip becomes harder to open for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by using a spring that biases the clip toward the closed state rather than requiring active engagement to close it. The spring's biasing force naturally keeps the clip secure, while a simple actuator allows easy opening when needed, reversing the traditional approach and resolving the contradiction between secure retention and ease of opening
3Reliability
If play in the closed state is reduced to improve retention, then the grip force on the bracelet or necklace increases, but the resilient element experiences higher stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the spring as an intermediary mechanism between the user's action and the resilient element. The spring acts as a mediator that provides the necessary biasing force to reduce play and increase grip force, while protecting the resilient element from excessive stress by absorbing and distributing the mechanical loads
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 design improves the retention and ease of handling of the jewelry clip, maintaining secure attachment even as the resilient elements wear, by counteracting forces that would cause the clip to open, thus preventing accidental detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The jewelry clip has a discrete spring, with the spring in the open state biasing the jewelry clip toward the closed state
Implementation Method 2
The spring in the open state biasing the jewelry clip toward the closed state
Implementation Method 3
the resilient element can provide a frictional resistance against movement of the elongated member through the through hole
Implementation Method 4
Resilient materials such as silicone are commonly used for stopping mechanisms. The resilient material deforms when it comes into contact with a bracelet/necklace resulting in a spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A jewelry clip is provided for clipping onto an elongated member of a bracelet and/or necklace. The jewelry clip includes first and second parts connected by a hinge and being rotatable between open and closed states. The clip in the closed state is adapted for gripping the elongated member and in the open state is adapted for being released from the elongated member. At least one discrete spring biases the clip toward the closed state when the clip is in the open state. The clip has, in the closed state, a through hole. At least one of the first and second parts includes at least one resilient element defining at least part of an inner surface of the jewelry clip defining the through hole. When the clip is clipped onto the elongated member, the resilient element provides a frictional resistance against movement of the elongated member through the through hole.