Jewelry with Multi-Stable Pivot Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jewelry designs with movable parts often suffer from uncontrolled movement, damage risk, and unaesthetic appearance when not worn, particularly when used as chain locks, due to lack of robust and secure mechanisms for stabilization and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A jewelry design utilizing a multi-stable spring mechanism or magnetic stabilization to secure pivotable outer parts in stable positions, allowing for secure wear and adjustment while preventing unwanted movement, and incorporating a receptacle for secure chain attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If movable parts are provided in jewelry to enable different appearances, then versatility and aesthetic appeal are improved, but uncontrolled movement and damage risk occur when not worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferent appearancesVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-stable mechanism that allows the jewelry to dynamically switch between different stable positions (worn and display states) rather than remaining static. The outer part can pivot between a first stable position for wearing and a second stable position for display, with the mechanism ensuring controlled transitions and stable holding in each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the stability parameter of the mechanism by using a multi-stable system with defined stable positions. The mechanism transitions from a single stable state to multiple stable states, allowing the jewelry to maintain specific configurations (worn or display) without uncontrolled movement, while still enabling versatile appearance changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a simple pivot mechanism is used for movable parts, then ease of operation is improved, but uncontrolled movement and unwanted appearance occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustmentVSAvoidunwanted movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a multi-stable mechanism that provides controlled dynamics rather than simple continuous movement. The mechanism allows easy transition between stable positions while ensuring the parts remain stable in each position, preventing unwanted movement while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the multi-stable mechanism where the jewelry alternates between defined stable positions (worn state, display state). Each position is stable and maintains its configuration, with transitions occurring in a controlled periodic manner rather than continuous movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the jewelry is designed to be worn without stabilization, then ease of operation is improved, but unaesthetic appearance and potential loss occur when not worn

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewearabilityVSAvoidunaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-stable mechanism that allows the jewelry to dynamically adapt its configuration based on usage state. When worn, the mechanism maintains the appropriate stable position for wearability, and when not worn, it can be positioned in a second stable configuration that presents an aesthetically pleasing closed appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the stability parameter to enable multiple stable configurations - one optimized for wearing comfort and operation, another optimized for aesthetic appearance when not worn. This allows the jewelry to maintain appropriate shape and appearance in both worn and stored states without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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

The design ensures the jewelry can be worn securely and adjusted for different appearances without risk of damage, providing robust and secure chain fastening while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a multi-stable spring means (4a, 4b) is arranged on the inner and/or outer parts in order to pivot the outer parts (3a, 3b) in more than one position about one pivot axis (5) to stabilize

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A jewelry design utilizing a multi-stable spring mechanism or magnetic stabilization to secure pivotable outer parts in stable positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2381811B1Jewelry item having pivotal parts
Publication Date: 2016.10.12 JOERG HEINZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2381811B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2381811B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2381811B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a jewelry item having an inner part and at least two outer parts pivoting relative to each other. A multiposition means for stabilizing a pivot position is disposed preferably between the inner and outer parts, in order to stabilize the outer parts in more than one pivot position.