Transformable Accessory With Sliding Shanks for Skin Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jewelry designs limit users to a single form and require multiple accessories to achieve different designs, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable due to mechanical parts that may come into contact with the skin, leading to discomfort during routine activities.
Innovation Solution
A transformational accessory system comprising half structures coupled to slotted and posted shanks via posts, allowing for seamless transitions between various configurations such as hearts, butterflies, diamonds, and stars, using sliding contact and offset surfaces to accommodate shape changes without mechanical hinges directly contacting the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are used to achieve different designs, then design variety is improved, but wear complexity and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory system allows a single physical piece of jewelry to perform multiple functions by transforming between different configurations (e.g., heart, butterfly, diamond, star shapes). The half structures can be coupled to different shank configurations to create multiple wearable forms from one base accessory, eliminating the need for multiple separate pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory incorporates mechanical components (posts, slots, springs) that enable dynamic transformation between different shapes and configurations. The system can shift from static single-form jewelry to dynamic multi-form jewelry that can be transformed through user interaction, allowing adaptation between different design states without changing the physical object.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical parts are added to enable transformations, then adaptability is improved, but comfort and ease of wear deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical transformation components (posts, slots, springs) are extracted from the portion of the accessory that contacts the skin. The half structures that remain visible and contact the skin are designed as smooth, simple geometric forms without mechanical elements. The transformation mechanism is contained within the non-contacting portions of the accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is segmented into functional zones: the visible half structures that contact the skin and provide aesthetic form, and the hidden mechanical components (posts, slots, springs) that provide transformation capability. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical hinges are placed away from skin contact areas, then comfort is improved, but transformation accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The post and slot mechanism acts as an intermediary that transmits the user's finger pressure and motion from the accessible exterior of the accessory to the internal transformation mechanism. This allows the user to operate the transformation function through simple external manipulation without needing direct access to or contact with the mechanical hinges themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary transformable accessory may comprise a first half structure having a first abutment surface, the first half structure being coupled to a slotted shank with a slot therein; a second half structure having a second abutment surface, the second half structure being coupled to a posted shank with a post extending therefrom, wherein the post of the posted shank is received within the slot of the slotted shank; and a configuration in which the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface are either in contact or radially separated from one another.