Watch Bracelet Fastening with Lateral Snap Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch strap attachment methods, such as those using spring bars, require tools and skill to attach and detach, making it difficult for non-experts to replace bracelets.

Innovation Solution

A removable connection device with transversely oriented fastening elements, one of which is laterally movable between engaged and disengaged positions, utilizing elastic return means and snap-on elements for easy attachment and detachment without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring bar attachment method is used, then secure connection is achieved, but tool and skill requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidattachment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member features a laterally movable fastening element with elastic return means that enables the user to attach and detach the bracelet independently without external tools. The elastic return means automatically returns the fastening element to its engaged position after lateral displacement, providing self-contained operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element is designed to be laterally movable between engaged and disengaged positions, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one. This mobility allows the user to easily switch between attached and detached states by simply displacing the fastening element laterally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If spring bar attachment method is used, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidattachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the complex piston and spring assembly from the attachment mechanism, replacing it with a simpler laterally movable fastening element. The essential function of secure connection is maintained while removing unnecessary complexity, allowing the attachment mechanism to be easily manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional fastening method is used, then connection security is maintained, but accessibility to operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member features a laterally movable fastening element with elastic return means that enables the user to attach and detach the bracelet independently without external tools. The elastic return means automatically returns the fastening element to its engaged position after lateral displacement, providing self-contained operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 users to easily put on and take off bracelets without special tools or skills, ensuring secure and simple operation.

Implementation Method 1

Elastic return means tend to maintain the laterally movable fastening element between the two limit positions in its first position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4250021B1Device for detachably connecting a bracelet
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 HUBLOT SA GENEVE
  • EP4250021B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4250021B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3B
  • EP4250021B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~6B

AI summary

This connecting device comprises two complementary attachment members (3, 4) fixed, respectively, to the connecting ends of said bracelet (2a, 2b) and to the part to which it is attached. Said attachment members (3a, 3b) are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of said bracelet (2a, 2b); one (3) of said attachment members is laterally movable between two limit positions, a first position in which it is engaged with the other (4) of said attachment members, a second position in which it is dissociated from this other attachment member (4), and in that elastic return means (5) tend to maintain said laterally movable attachment member (3) between two limit positions in said first position.