Modular Jewelry Element with Snap-Lock Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jewelry chain systems lack modularity, interchangeability, and resistance to traction and twisting, making them fragile and difficult to customize, while also being laborious to produce and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A modular element system comprising a spherical body with a hole and a connection element, combined with a flexible insert featuring grooves and a frusto-conical portion, allowing for snap-lock connections that are stable yet flexible, enabling easy assembly and replacement of elements with different colors, shapes, and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a central thread system is used to connect elements, then the elements can be held together to form a chain, but the chain becomes fragile and subject to breaking of the thread
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate male and female connection elements that can be independently attached to beads. The male element has a rod that inserts into the female element's recess, creating a distributed connection system rather than relying on a single continuous thread. This segmentation eliminates the weak point of a continuous thread while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female connection elements act as intermediaries between beads, replacing the direct thread-bead connection. The male element with its rod and the female element with its recess create an intermediate mechanical coupling that is more reliable than direct thread insertion, as the rod provides rigidity while the recess provides secure engagement.
2Ease of operation
If a rosary system with metal loops is used, then elements can be interconnected, but the metal loops remain well visible and give limited resistance to traction and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct male and female elements that can be independently manufactured and attached to beads. This segmentation allows for optimization of each element's geometry and material properties, resulting in a connection that provides superior traction and twisting resistance compared to continuous metal loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows for controlled movement and flexibility through the design of the male rod and female recess interface. The connection can accommodate certain degrees of rotation and movement while maintaining strength, providing dynamic flexibility that rigid metal loops cannot achieve.
3Ease of manufacture
If a military type system with moulded and folded sheet is used, then elements are linked together, but the system is not modular and elements cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate male and female elements that can be independently attached to different beads. This allows any bead with a male element to connect with any bead having a female element, creating full modularity and interchangeability. Elements can be easily replaced or rearranged without affecting other parts of the chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female connection elements serve universal functions across all beads in the chain. Any bead equipped with a male element can connect to any bead with a female element, regardless of the bead's other characteristics. This universality enables complete interchangeability and adaptability in chain design and assembly.
4Productivity
If existing chain systems are used, then chains can be manufactured, but customization and personalization require complete reconstruction of the chain
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is segmented into independent modular elements (beads with male or female connection elements) that can be pre-manufactured and stored. When customization is needed, individual elements can be quickly swapped or rearranged without affecting other elements, enabling rapid personalization while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements (male and female) can be pre-attached to beads during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action allows beads to be ready for immediate assembly or customization without requiring on-site modification or reconstruction, significantly reducing customization time while maintaining production efficiency.
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 system provides a strong, flexible, and customizable chain with minimal visual impact, allowing for easy replacement and assembly, reducing production time and costs, and offering high resistance to traction and twisting.
Implementation Method 1
said insert is made of an elastic material, characterised in that said insert (2) comprises a base (21) of substantially cylindrical shape from which emerges a frusto-conical portion (22)
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
The present invention refers to the field of jewellery and costume jewellery articles and more in particular it refers to an improved modular element for the manufacture of necklaces, bracelets and the like, to a kit for manufacturing them and to the related method using it.