Timepiece Support Element with Internal Cavity for Accessory Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage solutions for timepieces and jewelry are either bulky and impractical for travel or overly compact, preventing the simultaneous transport of accessories due to their design focus on either protection or compactness.

Innovation Solution

A modular support element with an internal cavity that integrates additional objects, such as accessories, by utilizing 'lost' volume within the support element, allowing for flexible shape and size adaptation without increasing bulk, using materials like cellular materials or viscoelastic polymers for retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage members are designed with multiple compartments for accessories, then accessory transport capability is improved, but the overall size and bulk increase making them impractical for travel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory transport capabilityVSAvoidstorage member size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds an internal cavity within the support element's central portion, creating a nested structure where accessories are housed inside the support element itself rather than in separate compartments. This allows accessory storage without increasing the external dimensions of the storage member, effectively nesting one functional element within another.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the support function and accessory storage function into a single integrated support element. The peripheral portion provides timepiece support while the internal cavity in the central portion simultaneously houses accessories, merging two previously separate functions into one unified component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If travel cases are designed for compactness, then portability and space requirement are improved, but the ability to transport accessories is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace requirementVSAvoidaccessory transport capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a localized storage solution by embedding the internal cavity specifically within the central portion of the support element, rather than expanding the overall case volume. This local modification allows accessory storage in an otherwise compact design, improving versatility without compromising portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If support elements are designed with internal cavities for accessories, then accessory integration is improved, but the structural simplicity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject integration capabilityVSAvoidsupport element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support element into two distinct functional portions: a peripheral portion for timepiece support and a central portion with an internal cavity for accessory storage. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural coherence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 the secure and efficient transport of timepieces and accessories in a compact form, optimizing space while maintaining protection against impacts and scratches, without the need for frequent changes in storage solutions.

Implementation Method 1

said support element comprising a peripheral portion carrying said receiving surface, and a central portion formed by a block of material, said support element being characterised in that it comprises an internal cavity forming a recess in the central portion; said internal cavity defining a volume configured to receive and hold in position an object inside said support element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using materials like cellular materials or viscoelastic polymers for retention

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11877675B2Support element for a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, or a piece of jewellery

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 OMEGA SA

AI summary

A support element (100, 200) for a timepiece (10) or a piece of jewellery including a receiving surface (111) configured to be at least partly in direct contact with the timepiece (10), or piece of jewellery, the support element (100, 200) including a peripheral portion (110) carrying the receiving surface (111), and a central portion (120, 220) formed by a block of material, the support element (100, 200) including an internal cavity (130, 230) forming a recess of the central portion (120, 220); the internal cavity defining a volume configured to receive and hold in position an object (140) inside the support element (100, 200).