Magnetic Clasp With Segmented Circuits For Adjustable Bracelet Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic clasp watch bracelets face issues where the force of attraction between magnetic elements may not be sufficient to overcome friction, preventing length adjustment, or may be too loose, making it difficult to tighten the bracelet.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bracelet with a magnetic clasp featuring multiple bipolar magnets and soft ferromagnetic alloy yokes, allowing for adjustable length by selecting magnetic circuit portions and optimizing magnetic field alignment and spacing to enhance attraction and secure contact surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the force of attraction between magnetic elements is increased to ensure secure closure, then the reliability of closure is improved, but the ease of operation for length adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic clasp is divided into multiple discrete magnetic elements (first magnetic element in the first end part, and multiple second magnetic elements in the second end part). This segmentation allows the bracelet to provide sufficient magnetic attraction for secure closure while enabling length adjustment by selecting different combinations of second magnetic elements to engage with the first magnetic element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracelet incorporates multiple second magnetic elements that can be selectively positioned along the second end part. This dynamic configuration allows the user to adjust the bracelet length by engaging different numbers or positions of second magnetic elements with the first magnetic element, providing both secure closure when needed and adjustability when required.
2Ease of operation
If the magnetic force is too weak, then the ease of operation for length adjustment is improved, but the reliability of closure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic clasp is divided into multiple discrete magnetic elements (first magnetic element in the first end part, and multiple second magnetic elements in the second end part). This segmentation allows the bracelet to provide sufficient magnetic attraction for secure closure while enabling length adjustment by selecting different combinations of second magnetic elements to engage with the first magnetic element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracelet allows changing the effective magnetic force parameter by engaging different numbers or positions of second magnetic elements. When maximum closure security is needed, more second magnetic elements can be engaged; when length adjustment is needed, fewer elements engage, reducing the magnetic resistance to sliding.
3Device complexity
If a single magnetic element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adherence between contact surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic clasp is divided into multiple discrete magnetic elements (first magnetic element in the first end part, and multiple second magnetic elements in the second end part). This segmentation allows the bracelet to provide sufficient magnetic attraction for secure closure while enabling length adjustment by selecting different combinations of second magnetic elements to engage with the first magnetic element.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple second magnetic elements are arranged along the second end part, and they work together with the first magnetic element to provide distributed magnetic attraction across the contact surfaces. This merging of multiple magnetic elements creates superior adherence compared to a single magnetic element, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
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
This design allows for precise adjustment of bracelet length, improved adherence to the wrist shape, and secure closure without mechanical immobilizing means, ensuring a strong magnetic force for reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the two magnetic elements are opposite each other and mutually attract each other
Implementation Method 2
the presence of a yoke made of soft ferromagnetic alloy in each magnetic circuit portion has the advantage of channelling the magnetic field properly, and thus of further increasing the mutual force of attraction
Data Source
AI summary
A bracelet including flexible end parts arranged to overlap each other in the closed position of the bracelet. The bracelet includes a first magnetic circuit portion integrated in one of the end parts and a second magnetic circuit portion integrated in the other end part, the magnetic circuit portions being arranged to mutually attract each other to unite the two end parts in the closed position of the bracelet. One end part includes second magnetic circuit portions which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other to enable the length to be selected. The magnetic circuit portions include a soft ferromagnetic alloy yoke arranged transversely to the bracelet and parallel to the surface of the end part in which the magnetic circuit portion is integrated. The first magnetic circuit portion includes bipolar magnets arranged between the yoke and the contact surface of the end part.