Timepiece Strap Composite Core for Bendability and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatch straps made from materials like synthetic resin or leather suffer from reduced wear comfort and durability due to decreased bendability as thickness increases, leading to potential deterioration from repeated bending.
Innovation Solution
A strap design featuring a stacked structure with multiple layers, including a flexible plastic member and a thinner nonwoven cloth member, bonded together to maintain high bendability and prevent deterioration, with temperature-dependent flexibility for enhanced comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the strap is increased to meet design requirements, then the strength and durability are improved, but the bendability deteriorates leading to reduced wear comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The strap core is segmented into multiple stacked members (first member, second member, third member) with different properties. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently - the first member provides flexibility and bendability, while the second and third members provide strength and shape retention, resolving the contradiction between thickness-related strength and bendability.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap employs a composite structure with multiple members made of different materials stacked together. The first member (flexible material) and second member (shape-retaining material) are combined to create a composite core that simultaneously achieves both high bendability and sufficient strength, even at increased thickness.
2Ease of operation
If the strap is repeatedly bent during use, then the wear comfort is maintained, but the strap becomes easy to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked structure with multiple members is designed beforehand to cushion and distribute the stress from repeated bending. The first member absorbs bending stress while the second member provides structural support, preventing deterioration before it occurs during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of stacked members with different properties creates a synergistic effect where the flexible first member accommodates bending movements while the second member maintains structural integrity, thereby preventing deterioration from repeated bending cycles.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-material core is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The core is segmented into multiple members with distinct functions - the first member for flexibility, the second member for shape retention, and the third member for additional support. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple stacked manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked structure enables multi-functionality within the core - simultaneously providing flexibility, shape retention, and structural support through different members. This allows the strap to adapt to various design requirements and usage conditions while using a standardized stacked construction method.
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
The design maintains high bendability and wear comfort even with increased thickness, preventing deterioration and deformation, while allowing for varied functionalities and design adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a first member (21) which has flexibility and is formed including plastic
Implementation Method 2
the first member (21) has a temperature dependency with which softness changes with temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A strap is provided with a core having a core main body having a plurality of members including at least a member having flexibility is stacked, and a skin member surrounding the core. The core main body is formed of a variable performance member and a special member bonded to each other with thermocompression bonding to be stacked in a face-back direction of a timepiece. The variable performance member has flexibility and temperature dependency, and is formed including plastic.