Watch Strap Clasp With Elastic Locking Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diving watch strap extensions require complex and unreliable mechanisms, such as ball pawls and tabs, which are difficult to operate and prone to malfunction, especially when adjusting for the thickness of diving suits.
Innovation Solution
A clasp with a deploying system featuring a first and second link that can be moved between a locked and open position, utilizing elastic locking points for intuitive and secure adjustment, eliminating the need for precise alignment and reducing the risk of accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ball pawls and tabs are used for locking the adjustment links, then the strap can be extended to accommodate diving suit thickness, but the mechanism becomes complex and unreliable requiring precise alignment and specific operation sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent elastic locking points (first and second locking points) that can engage with the cover independently. Each locking point operates autonomously without requiring a specific sequence, eliminating the complexity of coordinated multi-component systems like ball pawls and tabs while maintaining the ability to extend the strap for diving suit accommodation.
2Reliability
If ball pawls and tabs with friction retention are used, then the adjustment links can be locked in position, but the system becomes prone to clogging and malfunction under significant tensile force
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic friction-based ball pawl mechanism and replaces it with elastic locking points that engage through geometric interlocking rather than friction. The locking points use elastic deformation to create a snap-fit engagement that is resistant to clogging and malfunction under tensile force, while the simple folding action of bringing the first link into contact with the cover maintains ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the first link must be presented perpendicular to the cover plane for proper engagement, then the tab can engage in the housing, but the user must learn complex operation sequences and maintain precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic locking points are designed to engage automatically when the first link is brought into contact with the cover during the folding motion. The elastic deformation of the locking points provides self-alignment and self-engagement, eliminating the need for the user to maintain precise perpendicular alignment or follow a complex operation sequence. The system self-adjusts to achieve proper engagement through the natural folding motion of the link.
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
The clasp provides a reliable and user-friendly mechanism for adjusting the watch strap length, ensuring secure locking and easy operation, even under significant tensile force, without the need for complex alignment or sequence of locking points.
Implementation Method 1
the first link having first and second locking points elastic for its anchoring in the lid of the clasp
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A watch strap clasp comprising a cover (2) connected on one side to a first strap strand (6) and on the other side to a second strap strand (10), with an interposition of a folding mechanism (4) between the second strap strand (10) and the cover (2) of the clasp (1), this folding mechanism (4) comprising a first and a second link (12, 14), the first link (12) being articulated at one end to the second strap strand (10) and at the other end to the second link (14), the second link (14) itself being articulated to the cover (2) of the clasp (1), the folding mechanism (4) being movable between a first position in which the first and second links (12, 14) are arranged in a superimposed manner within the cover (2) of the clasp (1), and a second position in which the first and second links (12, 14) are deployed, this clasp (1) being characterized in that, in the first position of the deploying system (4),The first link (12) is held folded over the second link (14), the first link (12) having for this purpose first and second elastic locking points (22, 24) for its anchoring in the cover (2) of the clasp (1).