Watch Clasp Locking Element That Blocks Locking Bar Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-priced watches with folding clasps are vulnerable to theft as thieves can easily open the safety catch while the watch is being worn.

Innovation Solution

A locking device for a watch clasp featuring a locking element with a fastening section and a holding section that can be brought into a blocking state to prevent rotation of the locking bar, secured by a pin or bolt engaging with the locking bar to prevent theft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a folding clasp with a locking bar is used, then the watch clasp can be easily opened and closed, but the watch becomes vulnerable to theft as thieves can quickly open the safety catch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening and closing the claspVSAvoidsecurity against theft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device is divided into separate functional components: a locking element with a fastening section that attaches to the rotation axis, and a holding section that engages with the locking bar. This segmentation allows the device to provide enhanced security while maintaining the ease of operation of the original clasp mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary between the rotation axis and the locking bar. It transfers and restricts rotational movement, preventing the locking bar from rotating to open the clasp unless the locking element is deliberately released. This intermediary mechanism provides security without requiring complex interaction from the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the locking bar is made secure against rotation, then theft prevention is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against theftVSAvoidcomplexity of the locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element combines multiple functions into a single component: it attaches to the rotation axis via the fastening section, provides the holding section that engages the locking bar, and enables both locked and unlocked states through simple rotation. This merging reduces overall mechanism complexity while achieving secure locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to be rotatable relative to the rotation axis, allowing dynamic transition between locked and unlocked states. The fastening section can rotate to engage or disengage from the locking bar, providing a simple dynamic mechanism that avoids complex multi-component locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the locking element is designed to block rotation of the locking bar, then security is enhanced, but the ease of operation for legitimate users may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against theftVSAvoidease of opening the clasp for legitimate use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element incorporates a rotation capability that allows it to dynamically switch between blocked and unblocked states. Users can rotate the locking element to open the clasp when legitimate access is needed, while the default state maintains security by blocking rotation of the locking bar.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to be easily manipulated by the user through simple rotation, without requiring tools or complex operations. The fastening section naturally engages with the rotation axis and the holding section with the locking bar, allowing users to open the clasp by simply rotating the locking element in the opposite direction of the locking action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4706443A1Safety device for a watch lock
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SCHAUB GUARD LTD
  • EP4706443A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2d
  • EP4706443A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP4706443A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

To provide a security device for protecting a watch against theft, a security device (100) for a watch clasp (200) is proposed, comprising a security element (10) with a fastening section (11) for attachment to a rotation axis (R) of a locking bar (201) of the watch clasp (200) and comprising a retaining section (12), wherein the security element (10) can be brought into a blocking state in which the security element (10) in the area of ​​the retaining section (12) contacts the locking bar (201) in such a way that rotation of the locking bar (201) about the rotation axis (R) is blocked and which can be brought into a release state in which the locking bar (201) is rotatable about the rotation axis (R).