Nested Annular Clasp for Pearl Necklace Aesthetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pearl necklace clasps either fail to connect aesthetically or are inconvenient due to the use of retaining rings, resulting in poor appearance and difficulty in removing and attaching the clasps.

Innovation Solution

A jewelry clasp design featuring two annular bodies connected by a hinge, allowing them to swing and lock together without a retaining ring, enabling adjustable length and aesthetic arrangement of pearls by forming a pair at the ends of a pearl necklace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two clasps are connected using a retaining ring, then the clasps can be connected to each other, but the aesthetic appearance is poor and the retaining ring is not easily removed and attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of attachment and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The proximal end of one clasp is inserted into the hollow interior of the other clasp, creating a nested structure where one component fits inside another. This eliminates the need for separate retaining rings while providing secure connection and easy attachment/detachment through simple insertion and engagement motions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If two clasps are connected using a retaining ring, then the clasps can be connected to each other, but the aesthetic appearance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connection function is merged directly into the clasp structure itself. The hollow interior of one clasp serves as both the structural body and the connection interface, eliminating the need for separate retaining rings and creating a unified, aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of stationary object

If the pearls extend in double lines between two clasps, then the necklace length is maximized, but the aesthetic appearance is not improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenecklace lengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

One clasp is inserted into the hollow interior of the other clasp, creating a nested configuration that allows the pearl necklace to form elegant loops and curves. This nested structure enables the pearls to arrange themselves aesthetically while maintaining the maximum length configuration, transforming the double-line arrangement into a more visually appealing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2529641B1Clasp for accessory
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 KABUSHIKI KAISHA MIKIMOTO
  • EP2529641B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(f)
  • EP2529641B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(d)
  • EP2529641B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A clasp according to an embodiment of the invention has a first annular body and a second annular body, the first annular body extending along an outer surface on one side of a semispherical portion of the spherical jewelry product, and the second annular body extending along an outer surface on the other side of the semispherical portion of the spherical jewelry product. In the case where two adjacent clasps are used so as to form a pair and in the case where the pair of clasps are closed, the shape of the proximal end of each of the first and second annular bodies is configured such that the proximal end in one clasp extends so as to pass through the inside of the other clasp and such that the proximal end in the other clasp extends so as to pass through the inside of one clasp.