Watch Bracelet Linkage with Spring-Loaded Pivot and Inclined Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical connection devices between watch bracelets and components, such as watch cases, require specialized tools and are prone to accidental detachment, limiting user convenience and safety when changing straps or handling watches without being worn.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection device featuring a pivot with a stop and a retaining member, an elastic constraint, and an inclined plane mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment without tools, ensuring secure linking and preventing involuntary separation, even when the watch is handled without being worn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring bar is used to attach the bracelet to the watch case, then the attachment is secure, but specialized tools are required for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user without specialized tools. The release button allows the user to manually actuate the locking mechanism, and the spring-loaded pivot automatically engages with the lugs when inserted, making the system self-servicing for attachment and detachment operations
Solution Approach 2:
A release button acts as an intermediary element between the user and the locking mechanism. Pressing the release button actuates the locking mechanism to release the pivot from the lugs, providing a simple interface that translates user input into the mechanical action needed for detachment
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made secure to prevent accidental opening, then the bracelet remains attached during wear, but the complexity of parts and manufacture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded pivot that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The spring provides continuous force to maintain engagement during normal wear, while the release button can overcome this spring force to unlock when needed, creating a dynamic system that adapts to different operational states without complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into distinct operational states: insertion, automatic locking engagement, and release. The mechanism separates the locking action (automatic upon insertion) from the unlocking action (manual via release button), allowing each function to be achieved with simple, dedicated components rather than a single complex mechanism
3Reliability
If the pivot is held securely in the recesses by closed locks, then the bracelet cannot detach accidentally, but the pivot may come out if locks are improperly closed
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pivot is pre-loaded with elastic force before insertion. When the pivot is inserted into the lugs, the spring automatically propels it forward to engage the locking recesses, ensuring proper seating without requiring the user to manually apply precise force or verify engagement. The preliminary elastic energy storage in the spring performs the positioning action automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-verifying through the spring's mechanical feedback. When the pivot is properly inserted, the spring automatically engages the pivot with the lugs, and the user can feel the engagement through the release button's position or tactile feedback, eliminating the need for meticulous manual verification of lock closure
4Reliability
If a bar forming a bearing surface is added to the watch case to prevent strap removal, then the strap cannot be removed when worn, but aesthetic possibilities are limited and the system cannot accommodate conventional buckles or clasps
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pivot mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment to the lugs, enables easy release through the button, and accommodates various strap types including those with conventional buckles or clasps. The universal design allows different strap configurations to engage with the same mounting interface without requiring case modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing surface function is extracted from the watch case structure itself and transferred to the spring-loaded pivot mechanism. Instead of modifying the case with permanent bearing surfaces that limit design freedom, the pivot provides the necessary bearing and locking functions, leaving the case aesthetic untouched and compatible with various strap types
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 simple and secure attachment and detachment of watch bracelets without tools, ensuring the bracelet remains securely linked during wear and handling, allowing for easy strap changes and compatibility with various aesthetic designs without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the lock comprises an elastic constraint element arranged to constrain said lock in its closed position
Implementation Method 2
EP 2 449 756 A1 discloses a removable watch bracelet comprising a tab, a pusher and a spring, these elements forming a kind of ratchet to retain a watch bar
Implementation Method 3
the lock comprises at least one inclined area arranged so that the application of a force on this inclined area in one direction generates a displacement of the lock in its open position
Data Source
Figure 1a~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical linkage device between a bracelet (11) and a mechanical part (12), such as a wristwatch. The bracelet (11) includes a pivot (14) and a stop (15). The mechanical part (12) includes a retaining member (21) for the pivot (14) arranged to hold the pivot (14) on the mechanical part (12) in a first configuration and to release the pivot (14) from the mechanical part (12) in a second configuration. This linkage device includes a latch (28) movable between a closed position in which it holds the pivot (14) on the mechanical part (12) and an open position in which the pivot (14) can be released from the mechanical part (12). The latch (28) includes an elastic constraint element (33) that presses the latch (28) in the closed position.The lock (28) has an inclined plane (27) such that applying a force to this inclined plane (27) in one direction causes the lock (28) to move to the open position in another direction. The lock (28) has a bearing surface (36) such that applying a force to the bearing surface (36) moves the lock (28) to the open position. The mechanical part (12) has a stop (17) that cooperates with the stop (15) of the bracelet to prevent the pivot (14) from applying a force to the lock (28) and moving it to its open position when the bracelet (11) is in a wear position. The stop (17) does not interact with the stop (15) when the bracelet is in a replacement position. The invention also relates to a watch component comprising a mechanical linkage device (10) as described above.