Triple Unfolding Clasp with Segmented Pushers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracelet clasps with triple security mechanisms are often complex or fragile due to reliance on elastic components, leading to unsatisfactory safety as they can reopen prematurely, causing the connected object to fall.
Innovation Solution
A triple security unfolding clasp design featuring a buckle with two hinged strands, each carrying a shouldered locking pin or eye, and two pushers that control antagonistic bolts, where the combined travel of the pushers ensures secure locking and prevents untimely opening by requiring coordinated actuation to release both locking pins or eyes, with secondary bolts maintaining the locking position during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pusher is used to control the locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the clasp can open unintentionally when one strand is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent control systems: a first pusher controls a first bolt for the first strand, and a second pusher controls a second bolt for the second strand. This segmentation ensures that closing one strand does not affect the locking status of the other strand, preventing unintentional opening while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastic components are used in the locking mechanism, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to fragility and premature opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces elastic components (springs) with a mechanical ratchet-and-pawl system. The bolts engage with ratchet teeth on the buckle, creating a one-way locking mechanism that maintains security without relying on elastic materials. This substitution eliminates the fragility associated with springs while preserving ease of manufacture through simple mechanical parts.
3Ease of operation
If the pushers are designed with large individual travel, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because a single pusher can release both locking pins
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent pushers, each with limited individual travel distance. The first pusher only moves the first bolt, and the second pusher only moves the second bolt. This segmentation ensures that even if one pusher is actuated fully, it cannot release both locking pins, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing sufficient individual travel for ease of operation.
4Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to control both strands, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple bolts are segmented into two independent control groups: the first bolt is controlled exclusively by the first pusher, and the second bolt is controlled exclusively by the second pusher. This segmentation maintains reliability through multiple locking points while managing device complexity by creating modular, independent control systems that can be manufactured and assembled separately.
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 clasp provides enhanced safety by preventing untimely opening and ensuring that once a strand is locked, the other can be closed without releasing the already engaged pin, maintaining secure fastening of the bracelet or wristwatch.
Implementation Method 1
each against resilient return means returning said pushers to a locking position
Data Source
AI summary
Bracelet clasp (1) with a buckle (10) having strands carrying shouldered pins (6, 7) cooperating with eyes (8, 9) in the buckle, with two pushers (11, 12) antagonistic against springs, each controlling two bolts (15, 16; 17, 18), where the first pusher (11) integrally drives a first bolt (15) opposite a first pin (6) and a second bolt (16) opposite a second pin (7), this first pin (6) and a second bolt (18) opposite this second pin (7), so that only the combined actuation of the two pushers (11, 12) drives all of the bolts (15, 16, 17, 18) through their entire release travel to release these pins (6, 7) and one of the bolts (17, 18) remains locked during insertion of a pin (6, 7) in an eye (8, 9).