Watch Clasp Segmentation Reduces Component Count and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch band clasps have complex structures and a high number of components, leading to increased weight and complexity, which complicates the mechanisms for adjusting the band length and locking/unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A simplified clasp design that interlocks two bands using a lower holding member, a lifting member, a lock member, and a main cover with a lock mechanism, allowing for positional adjustment and locking/unlocking without requiring all mechanisms in a single main body portion, reducing the number of components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional three-fold-type clasp is used with integrated adjustment and locking mechanisms in the main body portion, then the clasp can adjust band length and lock/unlock, but the structure becomes complicated, the number of components increases, and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into separate functional modules: the main body portion for locking/unlocking operations, and an independent extension portion with its own adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function with simpler structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion serves multiple purposes: it provides band length adjustment through its own mechanism, extends the effective length of the band, and maintains a compact profile when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional three-fold-type clasp is used with integrated mechanisms, then the clasp can adjust band length and lock/unlock, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is separated into the main body portion while the extension portion has its own independent adjustment mechanism. This segmentation reduces the number of components in each individual part, making the overall assembly simpler with fewer total components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the extension portion itself rather than being a separate component, and the locking mechanism is integrated into the main body portion. This merging of functions into existing structural elements reduces the total number of discrete components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional three-fold-type clasp is used with integrated mechanisms in the main body portion, then the clasp can adjust band length and lock/unlock, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the clasp into lighter separate modules (main body portion and extension portion), each with dedicated simple functions, the overall weight is reduced compared to a single heavy integrated structure. The extension portion can be made lightweight since it only needs adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the main body portion and placed in the extension portion, allowing the main body to be optimized for locking function only, reducing its weight. The extension portion handles adjustment with a simpler, lighter mechanism.
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 simplified design reduces the number of components and manufacturing costs, allows for easy adjustment of the band length, and enhances the rigidity of the clasp, while maintaining reliable locking and unlocking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a curved spring portion is formed in the spring leaf. When the hook portion is engaged with the locking mechanism, the hook portion pressurizes the spring portion.
Implementation Method 2
a pair of springs biasing the push-buttons
Data Source
AI summary
A clasp includes a lower holding member in which a lock pin is fixed, an upper holding member which is pivotably interlocked with the lower holding member, a lifting member which is attached to the lower holding member so as to be able to move in a lifting direction and a lowering direction and guides a first band, a lock member which is attached to the lower holding member so as to be able to pivot between a lock position and an unlock position, and a main cover. The lock member lifts the lifting member to the lower holding member side when being pivoted to the lock position so as to perform positioning and fixing of the first band while interposing the first band therebetween.