Watch Bracelet Core-and-Cover Structure for Quick Strap Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch straps require complete replacement and often necessitate specialized tools and technician intervention for changes, lacking ease and cost-effectiveness in aesthetic modifications.

Innovation Solution

A watch bracelet design featuring an internal support core and removable external part with a locking mechanism, allowing easy swapping of the external part without replacing the entire strap, using a geometry that ensures minimal clearance sliding and a locking mechanism for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire strap is replaced to change appearance, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the complexity of operation and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidease of strap change
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strap is divided into two independent parts: a reusable internal support core and a replaceable external aesthetic cover. This segmentation allows users to change only the external cover for aesthetic purposes while retaining the functional internal core, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing time requirements compared to replacing the entire strap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aesthetic function is extracted from the structural function by separating the external cover from the internal support core. The external cover can be removed and replaced independently to change appearance, while the internal core remains in place to maintain structural integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire strap is replaced to change appearance, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the time and professional intervention required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidtime for strap change
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the strap into replaceable external covers and a permanent internal core, the invention enables quick aesthetic changes without requiring professional intervention. Users can independently replace covers in minutes rather than spending time on complete strap replacement or visiting technicians.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables self-service strap customization by providing user-friendly release mechanisms that allow individuals to change aesthetic covers without professional assistance, thereby eliminating time loss associated with scheduling and visiting technicians.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If specialized tools are used for strap replacement, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the complexity of operation and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of strap change
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release mechanisms are designed to be operated without specialized tools, allowing users to independently secure and release the external covers. The mechanical interlocking systems provide reliable connections through simple manual operations, eliminating the need for costly specialized tools and professional equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the entire strap is replaced to change appearance, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidcost of strap change
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the expensive functional internal core from the aesthetic external cover, the invention allows users to invest in one high-quality durable core and multiple affordable aesthetic covers. This segmentation significantly reduces the cost of aesthetic changes compared to replacing entire straps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The internal support core is recovered and reused across multiple aesthetic configurations. Only the external covers are discarded and replaced when aesthetic changes are desired, maximizing the value retention of the expensive structural components while minimizing expenditure on aesthetic modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP3886641B1Watch with two strands of bracelet
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 BULGARI HORLOGERIE SA
  • EP3886641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3886641B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP3886641B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a wrist strap strand (1), in particular for a watch, characterised in that it comprises an inner supporting core (3) which extends longitudinally within a removable outer part (5), and a locking means (9) by means of which the removal of said removable outer part (5) is made possible or blocked.