Modular Jewelry Linking Element With Elastic Split
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular jewelry of the reconfigurable type faces challenges in having a simple, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly design due to complex structures requiring multiple components and complex assembly processes, limiting user autonomy in reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A linking element with a single, continuous body featuring a split that can be selectively enlarged or restricted through elastic deformation, allowing for easy connection and separation of linking elements without the need for complex hinging or elastic means, using a material with mainly elastic behavior to facilitate reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular jewelry uses a complex structure with multiple components (fixed portion, movable portion, elastic means), then reconfigurability is achieved, but device complexity increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixed portion, movable portion, and elastic means into a single integrated body formed by one continuous wire. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining the reconfigurable functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single continuous body is segmented into functional zones (fixed portion, movable portion, elastic portion) that work together as an integrated system. This segmentation within unity allows the structure to achieve complex functionality without requiring multiple separate components, addressing both reconfigurability and simplicity
2Strength
If linking elements are permanently connected to ensure mechanical strength, then strength is improved, but reconfigurability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic functionality to the linking element through the movable portion that can be temporarily actuated. The elastic portion provides dynamic response, allowing the element to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling reconfigurability while maintaining strength during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion is pre-configured to provide contrasting force that opposes the movement of the movable portion. This preliminary anti-action requires deliberate user input to overcome, ensuring the connection remains strong during normal wear while allowing intentional reconfiguration
3Ease of operation
If elastic means are added to enable modular connection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are merged with the linking element body itself, forming an integrated structure where the elastic portion is simply a deformed section of the continuous wire. This eliminates the need for separate elastic components while providing the necessary elastic functionality for easy connection and disconnection
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used for modular jewelry, then reconfigurability is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating all functional elements into a single continuous body, the patent eliminates multiple connection points and interfaces between components. This reduces potential failure points and simplifies maintenance, directly improving reliability while preserving reconfigurability through the integrated elastic-movable mechanism
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
Enables a modular jewelry system that is easy to use, maintain, and reconfigure, with a reduced number of components, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing structure while maintaining mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
at least one between the at least one first portion (3) and/or at least one second portion (4) and/or at least one third portion (5) is made of a material with mainly elastic behaviour in order to allow an elastic deformation of the body (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~10
Figure 11~13
AI summary
A linking element for a modular jewel comprises a single and continuous body (2) showing at least one first portion (3), at least one second portion (4) and at least one third portion (5), wherein at least one section of the at least one first portion (3) is in close proximity to at least one portion of the at least one second portion (4), the at least one first portion (3), the at least one second portion (4) and the at least one third portion (5) delimiting between them at least one first through- opening (6) through the body (2), wherein the at least one first portion (3) and the at least one second portion (4) are separated from each other by the at least one split (7) selectively expandable/shrinkable to delimit/occlude an access passage (8) to the at least one through-opening (6).