Nested Clasp Mechanism for Concealment and Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clasp mechanisms fail to provide concealment, security, and ease of use for individuals with limited dexterity, as they cannot be inserted into decorative components like beads or stones without losing functionality and often create a messy appearance when used to create multiple strands.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring an outer tube with an inner tube having a beveled edge, a four-legged spring, and a hook with a specific shape and angle, allowing for concealment within decorative components while providing secure and easy operation, with a small tag for indication, enabling multiple wearability options without a cluttered appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional push-release clasp is used, then ease of operation is improved, but concealment capability deteriorates because the push component cannot be hidden inside decorative elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the inner tube containing the spring mechanism inside the outer tube, and both tubes can be concealed within decorative beads or stones. The inner tube with the spring is nested within the outer tube structure, allowing the entire clasp mechanism to be hidden while maintaining push-release functionality.
2Strength
If spring rings or lobster claws are used, then weight support capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for those with dexterity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical manipulation required by spring rings and lobster claws with a simple linear push motion. The spring mechanism inside the tube provides automatic engagement and disengagement through straightforward pushing actions, eliminating the need for twisting, pulling, or complex finger movements while maintaining secure weight-bearing capability.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic clasps are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to attraction to other metals during typical activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic field-based closure system with a mechanical spring-loaded tube mechanism. This mechanical system provides secure engagement through physical interlocking and spring pressure, eliminating the risk of unintended activation from nearby metals while maintaining ease of operation through simple push motions.
4Reliability
If box clasps are used, then security is improved with extra latch, but concealment capability deteriorates when hidden inside decorative components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the inner tube containing the spring mechanism inside the outer tube, and both tubes can be concealed within decorative beads or stones. The inner tube with the spring is nested within the outer tube structure, allowing the entire clasp mechanism to be hidden while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential security function from the complex box clasp structure, isolating the spring-loaded engagement mechanism in the inner tube while removing unnecessary external components. This extraction allows the security function to be maintained with a minimized profile that can be concealed within decorative elements.
5Adaptability or versatility
If conventional clasps are used to create multiple strands, then versatility is improved, but appearance deteriorates with crowded and inelegant look
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube structure allows multiple clasp mechanisms to be compactly arranged within a small space, enabling multiple strands to converge without creating a crowded appearance. The compact nested design maintains elegance while providing versatile wearability options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the internal space of decorative beads or stones as an additional dimension for concealing the clasp mechanism. By moving the clasp from the external surface to the internal space of decorative elements, multiple strands can be joined without compromising the visual appearance of the jewelry piece.
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 secure and easy use by those with dexterity issues, allowing the clasp to be hidden within beads or stones while maintaining functionality and providing customizable jewelry options without a cluttered appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned at the second end of the inner tube and configured to bias the inner tube towards the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A clasp mechanism is disclosed. Example embodiments are directed to a clasp mechanism comprising: an outer tube; an end cap attached at a top of the outer tube; an inner tube encompassed by the outer tube, the inner tube having a beveled edge at the top; a spring and a plate captured between the end cap and the beveled edge of the inner tube; a slotted end-cap at the bottom of the outer tube; and a hook configured for insertion into a slot of the slotted end-cap, to latch to the beveled edge of the inner tube, and to be held in place by the spring and plate.