Jewelry Closure Mechanism with Leaf Spring for Reliable Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jewelry closures, such as those for rings and earrings, often have complex mechanisms with multiple moving parts that are prone to failure and are difficult to operate, especially when worn on the body.
Innovation Solution
A closure mechanism utilizing a looped leaf spring with shape memory, which flips between two stable positions to open and close, eliminating the need for separate springs and catches, and allowing easy operation by touch alone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional closure mechanism with multiple moving parts is used, then the closure can provide open and closed positions, but the complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring and catch mechanisms into a single integrated closure component. The closure includes a body with a hinge connection to the jewelry item, a resilient portion that provides spring action, and a catching portion that engages with the jewelry item, all in one piece rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single closure component performs multiple functions: it provides the opening motion when pulled, stores energy through its resilient portion, and secures the jewelry item through its catching portion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate springs, catches, and hinges.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional closure mechanism with multiple moving parts is used, then the closure can function, but the ease of operation decreases when worn on the body
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all functional elements into one closure component, the patent eliminates the need for the wearer to manipulate multiple separate parts. The single piece can be easily pulled open and automatically engages when released, simplifying operation for those with limited dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring complex manual manipulation. The resilient portion stores and releases energy automatically as the closure moves between open and closed positions, making the operation simpler for wearers.
3Reliability
If a single part closure mechanism is used, then the reliability increases, but the ability to provide stable open and closed positions must be achieved without multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The closure incorporates a resilient portion that provides dynamic spring action, allowing the single piece to naturally transition between open and closed positions. The catching portion is designed to positively engage with the jewelry item at specific positions, providing stability without requiring multiple rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure utilizes changes in the physical state and configuration of the single piece to provide stable positions. The resilient portion's elasticity and the catching portion's geometric engagement create stable open and closed positions through parameter changes in shape and position rather than multiple discrete components.
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 mechanism provides a reliable and user-friendly way to attach and detach jewelry, reducing failure rates and improving usability by simplifying the closure mechanism into a single part with two stable positions.
Implementation Method 1
the spring part having a natural shape of smaller circumference than the ring part so that once a certain extent is reached, the spring part pulls the lever part towards the spring part in order to allow the spring part to attain its smaller diameter
Implementation Method 2
the spring part having a natural shape of smaller circumference than the ring part so that once a certain extent is reached, the spring part pulls the lever part towards the spring part in order to allow the spring part to attain its smaller diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A jewelry item has a ring part pivotally attached to a closure at one end. The closure spans the continuity of the ring from an end of the ring part and comprises a ring continuation arm extending in continuity of the ring and pivotally attached to and of the ring part at a pivoted connection. The closure further comprises a bias arm extending along with the ring continuation arm along said ring continuity. The bias arm comprises a spring part and a lever part pivotally attached to each other. A connection between said lever part and the ring part is rigid, so that as the ring part is opened, said lever part is configured to rotate inwardly towards an interior of said item. The spring part has a natural shape of smaller circumference than the ring part so that once a certain extent is reached, the spring part pulls the lever part towards the spring part in order to allow the spring part to attain its smaller diameter and thus establish a stable open position. The lever part further on closure of the ring part, is configured to push the spring part outwardly towards the ring continuation arm to establish a second stable position to close the closure. Another jewelry item comprising a spring arm pivoted to said continuation at a first location thereon and further pivoted to its ring part at a second location is disclosed. A method of manufacturing a closure for a jewelry item, a finding for an earring, a kit of parts constructed to form the finding and an earring constructed from the kit of parts and a mounting are also disclosed.