Modular Jewelry Fastening Device with Elastic Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening and connection devices for jewelry and costume jewelry items are difficult to customize and lack versatility, as they often require permanent fixation methods that compromise aesthetics and functionality, particularly for items made of precious materials.

Innovation Solution

A modular fastening device with movable elements and elastic means, such as helical springs, allows for easy engagement and disengagement of jewelry pieces, enabling customization and interchangeability of components to match different styles and materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent fixation methods (welding, connection rings, burying) are used to attach fastening portions to jewelry ends, then reliability is improved, but adaptability and ease of customization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcustomization adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is divided into separate modular components: a first portion attachable to one jewelry end, a second portion attachable to the other end, and a main body connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently customized or replaced without affecting the entire device, resolving the contradiction between permanent fixation reliability and customization adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces movable elements (such as movable pins or tongues) within the main body that can dynamically adjust between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to be securely fastened when needed while enabling easy modification and customization, bridging the gap between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If permanent fixation methods are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidfastening operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Movable elements within the main body can be shifted between engaged and disengaged positions through simple user actions. This dynamic mechanism maintains secure connection reliability when engaged while enabling easy operation for fastening and unfastening, eliminating the need for complex permanent fixation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device incorporates self-locking mechanisms where the movable elements automatically engage with holding seats to secure the connection without requiring additional tools or complex operations. This self-service feature maintains reliability while significantly improving ease of operation for the end user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If movable elements with elastic means are introduced, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization adaptabilityVSAvoidfastening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the fastening device into separate portions and a main body, the complexity is distributed across manageable components. Each segment can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining high adaptability through modular reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different movable elements and holding seat configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single main body to work with various portions and customization options, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a reliable, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing fastening system that can be used across various jewelry items, ensuring secure connections without accidental unfastening and allowing for easy adaptation to different designs and materials.

Implementation Method 1

elastic means, such as helical springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

elastic means, such as helical springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3892150B1Fastening element for costume jewellery and/or jewellery items
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 COLPO & ZILIO
  • EP3892150B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3892150B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3892150B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention concerns a fastening and/or connection device (10; 110, 210) for a jewellery and/or costume jewellery item (B), wherein said item (B) comprises a first free end (B1) and a second free end (B2) to be joined together. The device (10; 110; 210) comprises a first portion (20; 120) suited to be connected to the first free end (B1) of the item (B) and a second portion (30; 130) suited to be connected to the second free end (B2) of the item (B). The device (10; 110; 210) comprises a main body (40; 140), first connection means (50; 150; 250) suited to place the main body (40; 140) and the first portion (20; 120) in a disengaged operating configuration or in an engaged operating configuration, and second connection means (60; 160) suited to place the main body (40; 140) and the second portion (30; 130) in a disengaged operating configuration or in an engaged operating configuration.