Jewelry Lock Assembly Single-Handed Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock assemblies for jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces, are often difficult to operate with a single hand and lack a secure, one-time locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized unlocking.

Innovation Solution

A locking assembly comprising a first and second base part with a pivotal connection assembly and a fixation assembly, featuring a pivot pin and aperture for rotation and a locking extension and aperture for secure locking, allowing single-handed operation and one-time locking of the jewelry ends.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional lock assembly is used, then the jewelry ends can be connected, but it is difficult to operate with a single hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-handed operationVSAvoidlock assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly is divided into two separate base parts (first base part and second base part) that can be independently manipulated. Each base part has its own attachment parts, allowing the user to easily position and connect them with one hand without complex multi-component assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotal connection assembly and fixation assembly are integrated into a unified locking mechanism where the pivot pin and locking extension work together in sequence. This merging of functions into a compact structure reduces the number of separate components the user must handle, simplifying single-handed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a traditional lock assembly is used, then the jewelry can be locked, but it lacks secure one-time locking that prevents unauthorized unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidfixation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotal connection assembly establishes the initial connection between base parts before the fixation assembly engages. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking extension and locking aperture are properly aligned, enabling secure one-time locking without requiring complex multi-step procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed as a one-time use system where the fixation assembly permanently locks the base parts together. The locking extension, once engaged with the locking aperture, cannot be disengaged without forced opening, providing secure temporary locking that meets security requirements without complex reversible mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4101337B1Lock assembly for an article of jewellery such as a bracelet
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 CEST MOI JEWELS BV
  • EP4101337B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2C
  • EP4101337B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A lock assembly (1) for an article of jewellery having two free ends to be connected to each other, such as a bracelet, necklace, with a first base part (2) and a second base part (3). The first base part (2) and/or second base part (3) have a first end attachment part (4) and a second end attachment part (5). A pivotal connection assembly (6) is present for pivotally connecting the first base part (2) and the second base part (3), and includes a pivot pin (7) and a pivot aperture (8). A fixation assembly (9) is present for locking the first base part (2) and second base part (3) in a fixed mutual position, having a locking extension (10) and a locking aperture (11).