One-Piece Removable Bracelet Interface for Hornless Watch Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bracelet attachment devices are complex, requiring multiple parts, specialized shaping, and manual assembly, making them costly and difficult to automate, necessitating professional intervention for changes.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece mounting interface with elastic casing elements that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the bracelet, using longitudinal cavities in the watch case without fastening horns, enabling automated manufacturing and user-friendly interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment devices with horns and transverse bars are used, then the bracelet can be securely fastened to the watch case, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fastening, locking, and securing mechanisms) into a single integrated attachment device that includes a base element with integrated horns and a transverse bar, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure bracelet fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical fastening through horns, lateral securing through the transverse bar, and automated locking capabilities, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate parts
2Reliability
If traditional attachment devices with multiple parts are used, then the bracelet can be securely attached, but the manufacturing cost increases and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple attachment components into a single integrated attachment device that can be manufactured as one piece, eliminating the need for assembling multiple separate parts and enabling automated manufacturing processes while maintaining secure bracelet attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is designed with distinct functional segments (base element with horns, transverse bar, locking features) that are integrated into a single manufacturable component, allowing each segment to perform its specific function while being produced through automated processes
3Reliability
If traditional attachment devices requiring specialized tools are used, then the bracelet can be firmly fixed, but the time and cost for bracelet replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates self-aligning horns and automatic locking features that enable the bracelet to be securely fixed and released without requiring specialized tools or professional intervention, allowing users to perform bracelet replacement themselves in minimal time while maintaining firm fixation
4Ease of operation
If horns and protruding elements are added to the watch case, then the bracelet can be mounted, but manual operations are required during manufacturing to avoid damaging these elements
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is designed as a separate removable component rather than being integrated into the watch case structure, allowing the watch case to be manufactured without vulnerable protruding elements while the attachment device with its mounting horns is produced separately through automated processes and attached later
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
Facilitates easy and cost-effective bracelet changes without damaging the device, allowing for automated production and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for manual operations and complex parts.
Implementation Method 1
elastic casing elements for axially locking the mounting interface in said longitudinal cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A portable object (1) including a case (20) having a middle (21) devoid of fastening horns and having two longitudinal cavities (110) extending in a longitudinal direction (X-X), a bracelet (30) having two ends (31), each end (31) of the bracelet (30) cooperating with a mounting interface (200) configured to removably cooperate with a longitudinal cavity (110) of the middle (21) to make it possible to mount the bracelet (30). The mounting interface (200) is one-piece and includes: elements (210) for receiving and securing one end (31) of the bracelet (30); elastic casing elements (220) for axially locking the mounting interface (200) in the longitudinal cavity (110) in the longitudinal direction (X-X); elements (230) for locking the mounting interface (200) in the longitudinal cavity (110) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (X-X).