Neck Chain Holder Spool and Clip Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jewelry chains often tangle during storage and transportation, making them difficult to carry neatly in purses or pockets.
Innovation Solution
A compact holder comprising a spool with flanges and a clip that prevents tangling by winding the chain around the spool and securing it with a pin, while the clip removably engages to prevent unwinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chains are stored loosely in a purse or pocket, then they are easy to carry, but they tangle and become difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The chain is segmented by dividing it into individual links that can be separately stored on the spool. Each link is held in a defined position by the spool structure, preventing the chain from forming random tangles while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
A spool acts as an intermediary device between the chain and the storage space. The spool provides a structured surface that guides the chain links into an organized arrangement, eliminating direct contact between chain sections that would cause tangling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the holder structure is made complex to prevent tangling, then tangling is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire holder structure complex, only the critical areas (the spool surface and flange edges) are designed with specific geometric properties that guide chain placement. The rest of the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool dimensions, flange heights, and curvature radii are optimized to specific parameter ranges that naturally guide chain links into place. These parameter changes create the anti-tangling effect through geometry alone, without requiring complex mechanisms or expensive materials.
3Volume of moving object
If the holder is made compact for easy storage, then portability improves, but the chain winding space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder components (spool, flanges, and chain) are nested together in a compact arrangement. The chain wraps around the spool which is contained within the flange structure, creating a space-efficient configuration that minimizes the overall holder volume while providing sufficient winding space.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain storage is transitioned from a linear arrangement to a three-dimensional wrapped configuration around the spool. This dimensional change allows the chain to be compacted into a small volume while maintaining adequate space for winding and unwinding operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a holder for a chain and in particular a jewelry chain, such as a neck chain. The holder includes a spool and a clip. The spool includes a core body having an outer surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. A first flange extends upwards from the proximal end of the core body, the first flange having an inner side and an outer side. A second flange extends upwards from the distal end of the core body, the second flange having an inner side and an outer side. A pin upstands from the outer surface of the core body, wherein, the inner side of the first flange and the inner side of the second flange are in face to face relation. The outer surface of the core body, the inner side of the first flange, and the inner side of the second flange are continuous and form a spooling region. The clip configured to fit onto the spoon and prevent slipping of the clip from the edges of the flanges.