Solderless Jewelry Link Assembly via Sliding Closed Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jewelry link assembly methods, such as soldering, are labor-intensive, costly, and restrictive, limiting the flexibility and adjustability of jewelry items like bracelets and necklaces.
Innovation Solution
A method of connecting links without soldering, where each link has a head and closed loop portion, allowing sliding and rotational alignment for secure assembly without fixed connections, enabling flexible movement and easy size adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If soldering is used to attach links together, then the links are securely connected, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The link is divided into functionally distinct segments: a head portion and a closed loop portion. This segmentation allows the closed loop portion to slide through adjacent links while the head portion provides the securing function, eliminating the need for soldering while maintaining connection strength and enabling rapid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed loop portion acts as an intermediary element that facilitates connection between links. By sliding the closed loop portion through adjacent links and allowing it to be captured by the head portion, the system achieves secure attachment without direct soldering, significantly improving assembly productivity.
2Strength
If soldering is used to connect pivot pin and links, then the links are firmly attached, but the free movement and flexibility of the links is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static soldered joint to a dynamic sliding mechanism. The closed loop portion can slide freely within the head portion of adjacent links, allowing the links to move and flex relative to each other while remaining attached, thus maintaining both firmness and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed loop portion of one link is nested within the head portion of the adjacent link. This nesting arrangement allows the links to be firmly attached through the capturing mechanism while preserving the ability of the nested components to move relative to each other, enhancing link flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional soldered assembly is used, then the jewelry structure is stable, but the ability to easily add or remove links for size adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The link's segmentation into head and closed loop portions creates a modular connection system. This allows individual links to be easily added or removed by simply sliding the closed loop portions through the head portions, maintaining structural stability while enabling straightforward size adjustment without extensive soldering.
Solution Approach 2:
The links are pre-configured with the head and closed loop portion structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action enables the links to be easily assembled and adjusted later without requiring complex tools or processes, facilitating simple size adjustments while preserving structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A jewelry link assembly and method in which successive links are slipped onto prior links and are held together without the need for soldering between adjacent links. An infinitely hinged connection between adjacent links is formed permitting substantial flexibility when the hinged link bracelet assembly is so constructed.