Torsion Spring Crimping System for Gemstone Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crimping systems for jewelry and timepieces fail to effectively create a visual vibration effect of gemstones due to limited movement and aesthetics issues, such as visibility of spring components and fragility, especially with small stones.
Innovation Solution
A crimping system featuring a torsion spring that connects a gemstone to a support, allowing axial and radial oscillations, with proximal and distal portions extending parallel to the axis of symmetry in the rest state, enabling visible and durable vibration of the stone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical spring is used to connect the stone-bezel set to the base, then the stone can vibrate and create light refraction effects, but the attachment becomes complicated and delicate, and small springs deform excessively when the stone moves
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is divided into functionally distinct segments: a first end for attachment to the bezel, a second end for attachment to the base, and intermediate portions including arches and legs. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, with the arches providing flexibility and the legs providing structural support, thereby reducing overall complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring design incorporates arches that extend in directions perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, adding dimensional complexity locally to achieve global simplicity. These arches in different directions (first direction and second direction perpendicular to it) provide multi-axis flexibility, allowing the spring to accommodate stone movement without excessive deformation while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Shape
If the spring is dimensioned to obtain the desired visual vibration effect, then the stone vibrates aesthetically, but the spring becomes fragile and can be deformed irreversibly by shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The spring design incorporates geometric features (arches with specific radii and directions) that beforehand prepare the structure to absorb and distribute shock forces. The arches act as pre-engineered cushioning elements that deflect under impact, protecting the spring from irreversible deformation while maintaining the desired vibration characteristics during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring combines different geometric configurations (arches in perpendicular directions, legs, and connection points) into a composite structural system. This composite design allows the spring to exhibit both flexibility for aesthetic vibration and rigidity for shock resistance, achieving a balance that neither simple geometry could provide alone.
3Reliability
If a pin is mounted through the kitten to prevent separation during shocks, then the bezel is less susceptible to accidental separation, but the oscillations of the bezel are much too limited and dampened permanently
Solution Approach 1:
The pin constraint is completely removed from the design. Instead of using a pin to prevent bezel separation, the invention relies on the spring's geometric configuration and elastic properties to provide both retention and vibration. The spring's arches and legs are designed to maintain secure attachment while allowing full oscillation amplitude, achieving both reliability and vibration duration without the dampening effect of a pin.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the spring ends are fixed in grooves made in the support and kitten, then the assembly is stable, but the assembly process becomes complicated and the spring attachment is delicate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring design features universal attachment capabilities where the first and second ends can be attached to various components (bezel, base, or other supports) without requiring component-specific modifications. The standardized attachment geometry allows the same spring design to be used across different assembly configurations, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining stability.
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 system provides a reliable and aesthetically pleasing animation effect by allowing the gemstone to oscillate within a frequency range perceivable to the human eye, enhancing the visual brilliance and durability of the jewelry piece.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (5) fixed to the crimping support (3) flexibly connecting the crimping support (3) to the article (6), the elastic element comprising a torsion spring
Implementation Method 2
the elastic element comprising a torsion spring (5) having a proximal portion (13) extending therefrom and being fixed on the crimping support (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a setting system (1) for a watch (6) or jewelry item comprising: a setting support (3); a gemstone (2) mounted in or on the setting support (3); an elastic element (5) fixed to the setting support (3) so as to flexibly connect the setting support (3) to said item (6); the elastic element (5) comprising a torsion spring (50, 51); a proximal portion (13) extending from the torsion spring (50, 51) and being fixed to the setting support (3); a distal portion (17) extending from the torsion spring (50, 51) and being intended to cooperate with the item (6). The setting support (3) is arranged to be able to oscillate along an axial and/or radial movement about an axis of symmetry (15), following a movement of the item (6).