Segmented Latching Ring for Jewelry

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jewelry rings face challenges with high force requirements or complex structures for latching, leading to high production costs and limited design freedom.

Innovation Solution

The jewelry ring features a circumferential collar with separate material recesses forming latching sections that are independently elastic, allowing for a stable latching connection with reduced effort and minimal profile extension, utilizing a conical taper for form-fitting engagement and decoupled bending elasticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional latching means are used to connect ring bodies, then a stable latching connection is achieved, but the force required to connect the ring bodies is relatively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching connection stabilityVSAvoidconnection force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The latching means are divided into multiple latching sections that are at least partially decoupled from one another with regard to their bending elasticity. This segmentation allows each section to deform independently, reducing the total force required for latching while maintaining connection stability through the cumulative effect of multiple sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional latching means are used to connect ring bodies, then a stable latching connection is achieved, but the structure or length of the latching means in profile becomes relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching connection stabilityVSAvoidlatching means structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latching means are divided into multiple latching sections that are at least partially decoupled from one another with regard to their bending elasticity. This segmentation allows each section to deform independently, reducing the total force required for latching while maintaining connection stability through the cumulative effect of multiple sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional latching means are used to connect ring bodies, then a stable latching connection is achieved, but the production cost becomes relatively high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching connection stabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The latching means are divided into multiple latching sections that are at least partially decoupled from one another with regard to their bending elasticity. This segmentation allows each section to deform independently, reducing the total force required for latching while maintaining connection stability through the cumulative effect of multiple sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the latching means are designed with sufficient profile height for stable latching, then connection stability is improved, but the extension of the latching means becomes relatively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching connection stabilityVSAvoidlatching means profile length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The latching means are divided into multiple latching sections that are at least partially decoupled from one another with regard to their bending elasticity. This segmentation allows each section to deform independently, reducing the total force required for latching while maintaining connection stability through the cumulative effect of multiple sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer surface of the latching sections tapers conically towards a base part, creating an undercut that provides form-fitting engagement with the counter-latching means. This geometric parameter change allows for stable latching with reduced profile height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design achieves a cost-effective, easily manufacturable, and stable latching connection with enhanced design flexibility by minimizing the required force and profile height of the latching sections, ensuring consistent stability across rotational positions.

Implementation Method 1

the latching sections (18) can be elastically deformed at least largely independently of one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2594148B1Ring

Publication Date: 2017.05.10 EDUARD G FIDEL

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The ring (2) has two annular bodies (4, 6) comprising a latch unit that is circumferentially arranged on front ends (10, 12) of respective annular bodies. A locking connection is produced between the annular bodies by the latch unit. The latch unit comprises multiple latching portions (18) on one of the annular bodies, where the latching portions are partially decoupled from each other with respect to bending elasticity acting along radial direction (R). The latching portions are formed by a circumferential collar (14) at the front end of the annular body.