Watch Clasp Elastic Plate Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding buckle clasps for bracelets lack a simple and effective mechanism for secure locking and unlocking, particularly in designs with multiple blades, which can lead to unintended opening and potential loss of the bracelet.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring a plate with lateral pins and oblong guide holes, combined with cutouts and protrusions, allows for elastic deformation and guided movement to achieve secure locking and unlocking, utilizing the plate's compressibility and protrusions to ensure the clasp remains locked or unlocked based on applied forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a folding buckle clasp with multiple blades is used, then the bracelet can be securely closed, but the clasp may accidentally open and cause loss of the bracelet
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp mechanism automatically locks itself when the blades are folded together, without requiring user intervention. The protrusions on one blade automatically engage with the recesses on the overlapping blade, creating a self-latching system that prevents accidental opening while maintaining simplicity of use
Solution Approach 2:
The plate with cutouts acts as an intermediary element between the two blades. It provides a controlled interface through which the protrusions can engage with recesses, mediating the locking action and ensuring secure connection while allowing easy release when needed
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the basic structure of the blades themselves. The protrusions and recesses are integrated features of the blade edges, eliminating the need for separate locking components. The plate with cutouts serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, guidance, and locking engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The locking capability is localized to specific features on the blade edges rather than requiring a comprehensive locking system. Only the protrusions and recesses at the engagement points provide the locking function, while the rest of the blade structure remains simple and minimal
3Ease of manufacture
If the clasp uses a simple folding design, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into distinct functional segments: the hinged blades for opening/closing, the plate with cutouts for structural support and guidance, and the protrusions/recesses for locking. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes while collectively providing robust locking capability
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
This design provides a reliable and user-friendly mechanism for securing and releasing the bracelet, preventing accidental opening and ensuring the clasp remains locked in the closed position, while allowing easy unlocking with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
the cutouts made in the wafer make it possible to make it elastically deformable transversely
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an extensible clasp for a watchstrap, including at least two blades (1, 2) that are hinged together and have two free ends (4, 5) provided with a means for attaching the ends of the watchstrap together and a device for locking and unlocking the clasp in the retracted position. One of the ends (5) of the clasp is provided on the surface vertically adjacent to a plate (6) having two projections (61) extending beyond said vertically adjacent surface and attached by two pins (8) inserted into two oblong guide holes (9) of the vertically adjacent surface. The plate (6) is made of a rigid, elastically deformable material, and has a part (62) having cut-outs. The second end (4) of the clasp is provided with protrusions (7) for engaging with the plate (6) when the two ends (4) are vertically adjacent, and for ensuring, by means of the elastic deformation of the plate (6), the locking and unlocking of the clasp.