Push-Button Clasp for One-Handed Jewelry Charm Rearrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing customizable jewelry articles, such as bracelets and necklaces with interchangeable ornamental components, require the clasp to be partially disassembled or removed to add or rearrange charms, which is inconvenient and can damage the fastening mechanism, and often requires dexterity that is not easily accessible for one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring a push-button fastening mechanism with biasing means that allows for the secure attachment and detachment of the male and female end components without needing to unfasten the entire clasp, enabling easy rearrangement of charms without removing the jewelry article, and incorporating a resilient lining in the ornamental components to prevent unintentional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clasp is designed with traditional fastening mechanisms to ensure security, then the reliability of the fastening is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring finger dexterity and two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into a body portion and a separate tongue portion that can move independently. The tongue is segmented from the body and can be actuated separately by a push-button mechanism, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining secure fastening through the coordinated action of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-button mechanism on the tongue provides self-service operation where pressing the button automatically actuates the release mechanism through the biasing means, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex fastening components and enabling easy one-handed operation.
2Strength
If the clasp structure is made robust and permanent to maintain strength, then the strength of the fastening is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates as charms cannot be easily rearranged or added
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp transitions from a static, permanent structure to a dynamic system where the tongue can be easily actuated between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability allows the fastening to remain strong when closed while enabling easy opening for charm rearrangement, thus providing both strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means is pre-loaded to automatically engage the tongue with the body when the clasp is closed, ensuring strong fastening without requiring additional securing actions. This preliminary engagement maintains strength while the push-button mechanism provides ready access for opening when needed.
3Reliability
If the clasp requires complete disassembly to add or rearrange charms, then the reliability of the fastening is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to the complex process of removing and reassembling components
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the tongue from the body allows the charms to be accessed and manipulated independently of the main fastening structure. Users can open the clasp by actuating only the tongue portion, rearrange charms, and close the clasp without needing to disassemble the entire fastening mechanism, thus maintaining integrity while reducing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing means is pre-configured to automatically secure the tongue to the body when closed, eliminating the need for manual assembly steps. This preliminary setup allows users to simply press the button to open and close the clasp for charm adjustments, significantly reducing the time required for customization while maintaining fastening reliability.
4Ease of operation
If the push-button mechanism is made accessible for one-handed operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional components required
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button mechanism is merged with the tongue structure, and the tongue is merged with the biasing means to form an integrated assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components compared to traditional clasps with separate buttons, springs, and moving parts, thereby reducing overall complexity while enabling one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue serves multiple functions: it acts as the moving element for opening/closing, houses the push-button mechanism, and works with the biasing means to provide both the actuation mechanism and the securing force. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while achieving ease of operation.
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 secure, easy-to-use clasp that allows for the rearrangement and addition of charms without disassembling the jewelry, enhancing user convenience and reducing the risk of damage to the fastening mechanism, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and requiring minimal dexterity for operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first push-button fastening means incorporates at least one biasing means, the at least one biasing means being configured to urge the engaging portion away from the second push button fastening means in the locked position
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a resilient lining in the ornamental components to prevent unintentional movement
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a resilient lining in the ornamental components to prevent unintentional movement
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A clasp (4) for an article of jewellery (1) that comprises an elongate member (2), the clasp comprising: a female end component (5) for securing to a first end (7) of the elongate member, the female end component incorporating a first push-button fastening means (9); and, a male end component (6) for securing to a second end (8) of the elongate member and configured to be releasably secured within the female end component, the male end component incorporating a second push-button fastening means (14) that is configured to be operated by an engaging portion (10) of the first push-button fastening means, whereby, in use, the engaging portion of the first push-button fastening means is movable between a locked position in which disengagement of said male end component from said female end component is prevented and an unlocked position in which disengagement of said male end component from said female end component is allowed. An ornamental component (3) for an article of jewellery (1) that comprises an elongate member (2), said ornamental component comprising: a housing (20); a channel (21) passing through said housing for supporting the elongate member; and, a slot (22) within the housing, said slot being configured to be substantially parallel to the channel and passing right through a wall of said housing to the channel, whereby, in use, said slot is configured to resist but allow the passing of the elongate member into the channel.