Modular Pendant With Hinged Interconnectable Components

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional jewelry pieces are typically designed as integral components, limiting their versatility and ability to be worn in multiple configurations, whereas there is a need for a modular and easily reconfigurable pendant that can be adapted for various display positions and aesthetic appearances.

Innovation Solution

A modular pendant composed of interconnectable components with hinged mechanisms and various affixing systems, allowing users to easily switch between different configurations such as straight, circular, triangular, and other shapes, using components made from materials like metal, plastic, or elastic, and featuring clasping mechanisms like clips, magnets, and spring buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If jewelry is designed as integral unitary components, then manufacturing simplicity and structural strength are improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidversatility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pendant is divided into multiple separate components including a first component, second component, third component, and fourth component that can be individually manufactured and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to maintain structural integrity while the overall system gains versatility through different assembly configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pendant components are designed with universal connection features that allow the same basic components to be assembled in multiple different configurations (straight, circular, triangular, and other shapes). This multi-functionality enables a single set of components to serve various aesthetic purposes and wear positions without requiring separate integral designs for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If jewelry is designed as modular interconnectable components, then versatility and ease of reconfiguration are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pendant is divided into multiple separate components including a first component, second component, third component, and fourth component that can be individually manufactured and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to maintain structural integrity while the overall system gains versatility through different assembly configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pendant components are combined through connection features such as openings, hooks, clips, magnets, or spring buttons to form a unified assembly. The merging of these components allows them to function together as a cohesive pendant while retaining the ability to be separated and reconfigured, thus managing complexity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple connection mechanisms are used for modular components, then reliability of assembly is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of assemblyVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pendant components are designed with universal connection features that allow the same basic components to be assembled in multiple different configurations (straight, circular, triangular, and other shapes). This multi-functionality enables a single set of components to serve various aesthetic purposes and wear positions without requiring separate integral designs for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanisms utilize variations in physical parameters such as magnetic field strength, spring tension, or clip geometry to achieve reliable connections. By changing these parameters within reasonable ranges, the system maintains reliable assembly across different connection types while using standard manufacturing processes for the underlying component structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11882909B2Modular pendant

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 JOSEPH ADAM

AI summary

The present invention discloses a jewelry pendant that is used by suspending it to a decorative piece such as a thread or chain to which the pendant is mounted. The pendant is modular in nature and thus different configuration may be formed by interconnecting various pieces or components of the pendant with each other. The components are connected in such a way that each component can rotate around the hinged connection. Various configurations of pendant include at least one of, but is not limited to, a straight configuration, a circular configuration, a triangular configuration, a square configuration, a double circle configuration, a double rectangle configuration, or a cubical configuration. The pendant may be used as a necklace piece, an earring, a key ring, or a bracelet. In some other applications, the pendant may be used as a decorative piece on a bag, purse, or belt.