Pivoting Locking Element for Tool-Free Watch Clasp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bracelet clasps face issues such as the risk of losing or damaging screws, complex installation processes, and the need for tools to switch between locked and unlocked positions, limiting their usability and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A clasp system featuring a body with parallel tongues and a blocking element that pivots to securely hold a cylindrical bar without screws, allowing for simple and reversible attachment of a bracelet strand without requiring tools, utilizing elastic interlocking mechanisms for axial positioning and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to attach the bar to the clasp body, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the risk of losing or damaging screws increases and tooling is required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screw from the attachment system. Instead of using a screw to secure the bar, the patent employs a locking element with a head that engages with a groove on the bar through a pivoting motion. This removes the problematic screw component entirely, allowing tool-free operation while maintaining secure attachment through the locking element's engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be manually operable without tools. The user can directly pivot the locking element to engage or disengage from the bar's groove, making the system self-servicing. This eliminates the need for external tools while maintaining reliable attachment through the self-contained locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If a bar passing through a loop with surrounding pieces is used to attach the bracelet strand, then the attachment is secure, but the surrounding pieces are bulky and limit the clasp's design possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a slim bar with a groove, a pivoting locking element with a head, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bar remains slender for design flexibility, while the locking element provides secure engagement through its pivoting head that couples with the groove, eliminating the need for bulky surrounding pieces.
3Reliability
If a complex fastening device requiring simultaneous insertion of two studs and pivoting of clasp portions is used, then the attachment is secure, but the implementation process becomes complex and multi-step
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening operation is segmented into simple, sequential actions: approach the clasp, pivot the locking element to engage the bar, and complete the attachment. This contrasts with the prior art requiring simultaneous coordination of multiple studs and clasp portions. The segmented approach maintains secure attachment while dramatically simplifying the user操作流程.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned on the clasp body in an unlocked state, ready to engage. The bar is designed with a groove that aligns with the locking element's head. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex simultaneous operations - the user simply needs to pivot the pre-positioned locking element into engagement, making the process intuitive and simple.
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, tool-free, and reversible attachment of a bracelet strand, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of damage or complexity in operation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing elastic interlocking mechanisms for axial positioning and locking
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a clasp (100; 200) for a bracelet comprising an attachment system (1) for a bracelet strand (20), said attachment system (1) comprising a body (2), a bar (5) for assembly to said first bracelet strand, and a locking element (7). The body (2) includes a support (3) designed to receive the bar (5). The assembly is arranged so that the locking element (7), when the bar (5) is received in the support (3), can pivot relative to the body (2) so as to engage with the bar (5) to hold it axially in position. The invention also relates to a wristwatch comprising such a clasp (100; 200) as well as an attachment system (1) for such a clasp (100; 200).