Spring Bar Sleeve Retractor for Tool-Free Watch Strap Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatch strap coupling systems are cumbersome, requiring tools and special knowledge to change straps, and lack versatility for use with multiple spring bars.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve with a retractor mechanism that allows easy coupling and decoupling of wristworn devices from straps without tools, compatible with various spring bars, facilitating strap changes and retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spring bar constructions are used, then the coupling mechanism is simple in structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users require tools and special knowledge to change straps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a strap changing tool as an intermediary device that mediates between the user and the spring bar coupling mechanism. The tool includes a forked tip that engages with the spring bar's compression coil, allowing users to compress and release the spring bar without requiring special knowledge of its internal construction. This intermediary tool simplifies the operation while maintaining the simplicity of the original coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bar design incorporates a self-service mechanism where the compression coil automatically engages and disengages from the lugs when proper force is applied. The tool enables users to exploit this self-service feature by simply applying compression force through the tool's forked tip, allowing the spring bar to perform its coupling and decoupling functions without requiring user intervention in the mechanical details.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spring bar constructions are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability deteriorates because the system cannot easily accommodate multiple spring bar types
Solution Approach 1:
The strap changing tool is designed with universal applicability, featuring a forked tip geometry that can engage with various spring bar compression coil configurations. The tool's design allows it to work with different spring bar types, materials, and dimensions, making the strap changing system adaptable to multiple spring bar constructions without requiring different tools for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool separates the strap changing function from the spring bar design, allowing the spring bar to maintain its simple, type-specific construction while the tool provides the universal adaptability. This segmentation enables different spring bar types to be used with the same tool, as the tool's forked tip can be adjusted or selected to match different spring bar configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If users directly manipulate spring bars, then the device complexity is minimal, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates because special knowledge of spring bar construction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The strap changing tool serves as an intermediary that translates simple user actions into the complex mechanical operations required to manipulate spring bars. Instead of requiring users to understand spring bar construction, the tool's forked tip is designed to automatically engage with the compression coil, allowing users to simply apply force without needing to know how the spring bar works internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bar's compression coil is designed to be self-manipulating when proper force is applied through the tool. The coil's elastic properties cause it to automatically compress and release, engaging and disengaging from the lugs without requiring user knowledge of its mechanical behavior. The tool enables this self-service feature by providing the correct interface for applying force.
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
Enables users to easily change straps without tools or knowledge of spring bar construction, and can be used with multiple spring bars, enhancing user convenience and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member for permitting the first end of the spring bar to be biased towards and away from the second end of the spring bar
Implementation Method 2
a retractor coupled to the sleeve for urging the first end of the spring bar towards the second end of the spring bar
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve for use in an assembly for coupling a wristworn device to a first end of a strap. The sleeve has a first end dimensioned to be received in the recess in the inner face of the first lug of a wristworn device, an inner cavity dimensioned to receive therein the first end of a conventional spring bar, and a retractor coupled to the sleeve for urging the first end of the spring bar towards the second end of the spring bar. The second end of the spring bar is coupled to the second lug, the spring bar is coupled to the strap, the first end of the spring bar is positioned in the inner cavity of the sleeve and the first end of the sleeve is coupled to the first lug. A removable retractor for use with a spring bar, which allows for the use of a plurality of spring bars and therefore, lends itself to widespread use and retrofitting of an assembly that couples a strap to a wristworn device, is also provided.