One-Piece Hinged Bracelet via 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link-type watch bracelets face challenges in complexity of assembly, wear of joints over time, limited fine adjustment of dimensions, and unconventional appearance, which restricts their widespread use and adaptability to different wrist sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece link bracelet design featuring rigid base portions connected via a flexible spiral strip, produced through 3D printing or additive manufacturing, allowing for customizable length and shape adaptation to the wearer's wrist, with optional fine adjustment using a clasp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional link bracelets use multiple separate components connected by hinges and return springs, then the bracelet can achieve flexibility and adjustability, but the assembly becomes complex and the joints wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (link body, hinge, return spring) into a single integrated component made by 3D printing. The flexible connecting portion is formed as one piece with the rigid base portions, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the number of parts while maintaining flexibility and adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The single 3D-printed component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the rigid link body, the flexible hinge mechanism, and the return spring functionality all in one piece, reducing complexity while achieving the same operational results
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional link bracelets use standardized links for assembly, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to fine-adjust the bracelet length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous adjustment of bracelet length by allowing the flexible connecting portion to be stretched or compressed to different lengths, rather than being fixed in standardized increments. This parameter change approach allows precise customization of the bracelet length to fit different wrist sizes while maintaining the same manufacturing process
3Device complexity
If simplified link constructions use curved spiral tongues fitted one inside the other, then the number of components is reduced, but the appearance becomes unconventional and limits widespread use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link into distinct functional zones within a single component: rigid base portions that provide the traditional link appearance and structure, and a flexible connecting portion that provides the hinge function. This segmentation allows the link to maintain conventional aesthetics while reducing component count through 3D printing integration
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 solution provides a simplified assembly process, customizable fit to the wrist, and a conventional appearance while enabling precise length adjustment and shape conformity, enhancing user comfort and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
two curved tongues in the form of spirals, each of which is made in one piece with one of the links, the two tongues fitting one inside the other by elastic deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a link bracelet component comprising a rigid base portion (13a, 13b, 16) and at least one flexible connecting portion (18). According to the invention, the rigid base portion and the flexible connecting portion together define a single-piece part formed from a single piece of material. Such a bracelet component can advantageously be used to form all or part of a link bracelet. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a bracelet component or such a bracelet, comprising a step of producing the single-piece part by 3D printing or by an additive manufacturing process.