Modular Hinged Jewelry with Variable Width Bands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jewelry items with variable dimensions are fragile, aesthetically unsatisfactory in the open position, and struggle to maintain intermediate positions, lacking the ability to accommodate gems of different dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A jewelry item with modular elements hinged in a radial manner, featuring an annular band with varying width along its extension, allowing for different gem sizes and a strong, aesthetically pleasing design in both contracted and extended states, achieved through eccentric connection points and varying lengths of modular elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If jewellery items are designed with variable dimensions using hinged modular elements, then the items can be adjusted between contracted and extended conditions, but they become fragile and prone to breakage in the open condition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability between contracted and extended conditionsVSAvoidresistance to breakage in open condition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The jewellery item is divided into multiple modular elements that can be independently positioned. Each modular element is a self-contained unit with connection points that allow hinged attachment to adjacent elements, enabling the item to be segmented into adjustable sections while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the jewellery item have different widths to accommodate gems of different dimensions. The modular elements are designed with varying local qualities - some elements have wider sections for larger gems while others have narrower sections, allowing the item to maintain strength where needed while providing variability for aesthetic purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If jewellery items are designed with variable dimensions, then they can be adjusted between contracted and extended conditions, but they are not aesthetically satisfactory in the open position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability between contracted and extended conditionsVSAvoidaesthetic appearance in open condition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The modular elements are designed with asymmetric width variations along their length, creating an aesthetically pleasing profile even when the item is in the extended or open condition. The width transitions from a maximum value to a minimum value in a controlled manner, ensuring visual appeal regardless of the item's configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The jewellery item is designed to maintain aesthetic appeal across multiple configurations. The modular elements can be positioned at various angles relative to each other, and the asymmetric width design ensures that the item looks pleasing whether contracted, extended, or in any intermediate position, making the dynamic adjustments aesthetically satisfactory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If jewellery items use hinged modular elements for variable dimensions, then the items can be adjusted, but they cannot maintain intermediate positions and tend to acquire alternatively one of the two extreme positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability between contracted and extended conditionsVSAvoidability to maintain intermediate positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The modular elements are designed to self-stabilize at desired positions through their geometric configuration and connection point arrangement. The eccentric positioning of connection points creates natural stability zones that allow the item to maintain intermediate positions without requiring additional locking mechanisms, as the structure itself provides the stabilizing force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If jewellery items have housings for gems with the same dimension, then they can ensure passage from open to closed condition, but they cannot accommodate gems of different dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of gems with different dimensionsVSAvoidcomplexity of modular elements with varying widths

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9486041B2Jewellery item

Publication Date: 2016.11.08 BARBAZZA FRAT DI BARBAZZA ROBERTO E C

AI summary

A jewellery item, or a gold, silver, or costume jewellery item, accessories and the like include an annular band having a predetermined width and a plurality of modular elements of an elongated shape, at least one of the modular elements being connected to at least three additional modular elements by at least three connection points, the modular elements being hinged with each other about each connection point such that the jewellery item is adjustable between a contracted condition and an extended condition, wherein the width has different values along the overall extension of the jewellery item.