Flexible Rubber Closure with Interlocking Protrusions and Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional watch straps and bracelets face limitations in durability, flexibility, comfort, and aesthetics, particularly in sports and electronic watches, due to the use of metal buckles and clasp systems, which increase assembly costs and can be fragile, and existing rubber-based solutions lack both comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A flexible rubber closure system comprising two flat strands with regularly arranged holes and protrusions that engage when pressed together, eliminating the need for a clasp and distributing tensile forces across multiple elements for enhanced resistance and comfort, while allowing for adjustable fit and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal buckle or clasp is used to close the bracelet, then the closure is secure and durable, but the device complexity and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure function is merged directly into the bracelet structure itself. The first strand includes engagement elements (protrusions or holes) that directly engage with the second strand, eliminating the need for separate buckles or clasps. This integration maintains secure closure while reducing device complexity and assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracelet strands serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, aesthetic appearance, and built-in closure mechanisms. The engagement elements are formed as integral parts of the strands during manufacturing, allowing the same components to fulfill both structural and fastening roles without requiring additional specialized parts.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional mushroom-shaped protrusion is used for closure, then the construction is simple, but the tensile force concentration causes the foot to yield easily
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system uses multiple discrete engagement elements (protrusions and corresponding holes) distributed along the bracelet strands. Each engagement element bears a portion of the tensile load, distributing the stress across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single foot, thereby preventing yielding while maintaining simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement elements are arranged in a pattern across the width of the bracelet strands, utilizing the lateral dimension to distribute loads. Multiple protrusions engage with multiple holes across the width, creating a two-dimensional distribution of engagement points that enhances tensile resistance without increasing the complexity of individual elements.
3Reliability
If a loop is added to limit movement of the tip, then the closure stability improves, but the enlarged head exceeds bracelet thickness and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The movement-limiting function is merged into the engagement mechanism itself. The protrusions and holes are designed to engage in a way that naturally prevents excessive movement and tipping without requiring separate loops or enlarged heads. The geometry of the engagement elements provides inherent stability while maintaining a profile within the bracelet thickness.
4Ease of operation
If self-gripping materials are used for closure, then the fastening is functional, but the aesthetic appeal and skin comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system replaces self-gripping material systems with a clean mechanical engagement system using precisely formed protrusions and holes. This mechanical approach provides reliable fastening functionality while allowing the bracelet surface to maintain smooth, continuous contours that are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable against the skin, avoiding the textured or bulky appearance of hook-and-loop materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure device comprising two strips (42; 46), namely one strip having a regular array of holes (60), and another strip having a corresponding and compatible array of projections (70). When the strips are placed on top of one another and pressed together, the projections are inserted into the holes which are shaped to receive same, such that the two strips are solidly connected to one another. The strength of the connection is enhanced by internal blocking devices disposed on the side surfaces of the holes and on the corresponding surfaces of the projections. The device of the invention can be used on watches, jewellery, bracelets, belts, wallets, phone cases, or any other object.