Watch Bracelet Slide Attachment With Viscoelastic Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bracelet attachment devices for watch cases are complex, requiring multiple parts, specialized shaping, and manual assembly, making them costly and difficult to automate, necessitating professional intervention for replacement.

Innovation Solution

A viscoelastic attachment system with longitudinal cavities and fastening heads that allow tool-free assembly and removal, using viscoelastic fitting means for secure coupling without additional parts, enabling automated manufacturing and easy interchangeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attachment devices with horns and cross bars are used, then the bracelet can be securely attached to the watch case, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet attachment securityVSAvoidattachment device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional horns and cross bar elements from the attachment system. Instead, it uses a simple pin inserted through aligned holes in the bracelet end and watch case lugs, eliminating complex projecting elements while maintaining secure attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is divided into separate, simple components: the pin and the holes. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining attachment security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional attachment devices are used, then the bracelet can be attached securely, but the assembly process becomes longer and more costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet attachment securityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the attachment system into separate simple components (pin and holes), the assembly process becomes faster and easier, allowing for quicker attachment while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The simple pin-and-hole design allows users to attach and detach bracelets themselves without requiring professional service, increasing productivity and reducing costs associated with professional attachment services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If horns or projecting elements are provided on the watch case, then the bracelet can be attached, but automation during manufacture is prevented and manual operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet attachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing automation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates horns and projecting elements from the watch case design, replacing them with simple holes that can be easily manufactured using automated drilling or punching processes, thereby enabling full automation in manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design changes from complex three-dimensional horn shapes to simple cylindrical holes, fundamentally changing the geometric parameters to enable automated manufacturing processes while maintaining attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If specialized shaping and machining are performed on bracelet ends and watch case, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet attachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for specialized shaping and machining by using simple holes and a pin. This extraction of complex manufacturing requirements allows for easier and less costly production while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design uses homogeneous, simple geometric forms (cylindrical holes and pins) that can be manufactured using standard, uniform processes, eliminating the need for specialized heterogeneous manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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

Facilitates easy, tool-free bracelet changes and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by allowing automated production of symmetrical cases without horns or projecting elements.

Implementation Method 1

said fastening head comprises a portion made of a viscoelastic material, and in that the attachment system comprises viscoelastic fitting means for locking the axial movement of said fastening head inside the longitudinal cavity by the viscoelastic response of the portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12471682B2Portable object comprising a case, a removable bracelet and a system for attaching the bracelet to the case
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
  • US12471682B2 patent drawing
  • US12471682B2 patent drawing
  • US12471682B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable object includes a case having a middle, a bracelet, and an attachment system for removably securing each end of the bracelet to the middle. The middle includes two longitudinal cavities to form a slide bar. Each end of the bracelet includes a fastening head that cooperates, by sliding, with one of the longitudinal cavities to form the attachment system. The fastening head includes an end flange made of a viscoelastic material. The attachment system includes a viscoelastic fitting for locking axial movement of the fastening head inside the longitudinal cavity by the viscoelastic response of the end flange. The viscoelastic fitting is formed by cooperation of a rigid locking protrusion in each longitudinal cavity to deform the end flange upon insertion of the bracelet. The locking protrusion fits inside a recess made in the end flange to lock the axial movement of the fastening head.