Watch Bracelet Strand Assembly with Locking Hinge Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching a bracelet strand to a watch case are inadequate in terms of reliability, robustness, ease of attachment and removal, and aesthetic appeal, particularly for high-end watchmaking.
Innovation Solution
A timepiece design featuring a case middle with horns and a fastening element, utilizing a hinge pin and locking mechanism to secure the bracelet strand, allowing for reliable attachment, easy removal, and maintaining an attractive aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common solution with two pairs of horns and a link is used to attach the bracelet strand, then the attachment allows relative articulation between the bracelet strand and the watch case, but the reliability is insufficient and untimely detachment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into distinct functional components: the case middle with horns, the separate fastening element, and the bracelet strand with connecting portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall reliability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate fastening element is introduced as an intermediary component between the case middle and the bracelet strand. This fastening element acts as a mediator that securely connects the bracelet to the watch case, preventing direct attachment issues and improving reliability through an additional securing mechanism.
2Reliability
If a common solution with horns and links is used, then the bracelet strand can be attached to the watch case, but wear occurs over time which deteriorates functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element serves as a sacrificial intermediary that absorbs wear and stress, protecting the permanent components (case middle and bracelet strand) from deterioration. This mediator approach extends the functional lifespan by concentrating wear on the replaceable fastening element.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element is designed as a consumable component that can be replaced when worn, while the permanent components (case middle and bracelet strand) are preserved. This allows the system to maintain functionality over time by periodically replacing the wear-prone fastening element.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used to prevent detachment, then reliability improves, but the ease of removal and reattachment by users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a permanent part (case middle with horns) and a removable part (fastening element with bracelet strand). This segmentation allows the permanent part to provide secure anchoring while the removable part enables easy user operation for attachment and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element incorporates movable components (articulated connecting portions) that allow dynamic engagement and disengagement. The connecting portions can pivot and move to facilitate easy attachment and removal by users while maintaining secure attachment when engaged.
4Reliability
If a functional attachment mechanism is implemented, then the bracelet strand can be securely attached, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible attachment components
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element acts as an aesthetic intermediary that conceals the functional attachment mechanism. It provides a visually pleasing transition between the case middle and bracelet strand, hiding the mechanical components (hinge pin, locking means) while maintaining their functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment components are designed with differentiated local qualities: the visible portions (fastening element exterior, connecting portions) are optimized for aesthetic appearance, while the hidden portions (internal locking mechanism, hinge pin) are optimized for functionality. This allows simultaneous achievement of beauty and utility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprising at least one bracelet strand (30) extending in a longitudinal direction and removably attached to a caseband (20), which thus occupies a first attachment configuration in which the at least one bracelet strand (30) is attached to the caseband (20) and a second assembly configuration in which the at least one bracelet strand (30) is detached from the caseband (20), characterized in that: - the caseband (20) comprises at least one horn (21), comprising a transverse opening (21a), - the timepiece comprises at least one attachment element (1), separate from the caseband (20) and from the at least one bracelet strand (30), comprising a transverse opening (1a), - the end of the at least one bracelet strand (30) comprises at least two connecting portions (31), in particular at least two connecting links,projecting in the longitudinal direction at the end of the at least one bracelet strand (30) and being transversely separated from each other by a space, the at least two connecting portions (31) each comprising transverse openings (31a) passing through, - in the first fixing configuration, at least one hinge pin (2) is housed in said transverse opening (21a) of the at least one horn (21), in said transverse opening (1a) of the at least one fixing element (1), and in said transverse openings (31a) of respectively the at least two connecting portions (31) of the bracelet, so as to keep the middle (20), the at least one bracelet strand (30) and the at least one fixing element (1) fixed to each other, - in the first fixing configuration,a locking means (3) locks the at least one hinge axis (2) in rotation relative to the at least one horn (21) and relative to the at least one fixing element (1) or relative to the connecting portions (31), so that respectively only the at least two connecting portions (31) of the at least one bracelet strand (30) or the at least one horn (21) and the at least one fixing element (1) are movable in rotation about the at least one hinge axis (2).,