Watch Clasp Spring Housing for Locking Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bracelet or belt clasps with fine adjustment mechanisms have low locking strength due to short elastic uncoupling travel, leading to potential inadvertent de-indexing and increased manufacturing costs from strict tolerances for small rack toothing teeth.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring an end link with a spring housed inside, controlled by a push-button, which provides a longer travel for the toothed element, allowing higher and deeper rack toothing teeth for improved locking strength and reduced manufacturing tolerances, along with an arresting mechanism to prevent accidental disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If elastic uncoupling means are used with short travel to disengage the toothed element, then the structure remains compact, but the locking strength between the toothed element and rack toothing becomes relatively low, allowing easy de-indexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic elastic element that can be compressed to store energy and provide a powerful uncoupling action when needed. The elastic element is compressed during normal operation to maintain engagement, then rapidly expands to disengage the toothed element from the rack toothing when the push-button is pressed, providing both strong locking and reliable release.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the elastic element between compressed and relaxed states to control the engagement and disengagement of the toothed element. By varying the compression level and release timing, the system achieves both strong locking (when compressed) and easy de-indexing (when released), resolving the contradiction between locking strength and uncoupling travel.
2Ease of manufacture
If the teeth of the rack toothing are made smaller to accommodate the short elastic travel, then the clasp structure remains compact, but the manufacturing tolerances become stricter and cost price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic elastic element allows the rack toothing teeth to be designed with optimal dimensions for both manufacturing ease and functional performance. The elastic element's compression and release cycles enable the use of slightly larger teeth with more forgiving tolerances, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining compact clasp structure.
3Ease of operation
If the end link is allowed to slide freely for fine adjustment, then the bracelet length can be optimized for comfort, but the position can be easily de-indexed by pulling or pushing the end link
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element provides continuous feedback to the toothed element, maintaining engagement through its elastic force. When the end link is pulled or pushed, the elastic element senses the displacement and automatically maintains the toothed element's engagement with the rack toothing, preventing accidental de-indexing while allowing intentional adjustment through the push-button mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pre-loaded to provide a counteracting force that opposes any unintended displacement of the toothed element. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental de-indexing by creating a restoring force that counteracts pulling or pushing forces on the end link, while still allowing controlled adjustment when the push-button is actuated.
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 solution enhances locking strength, preventing accidental de-indexing and reducing manufacturing costs by allowing higher rack toothing teeth with deeper spaces, while ensuring secure adjustment without risk of inadvertent loss.
Implementation Method 1
the disengagement between the toothed element and the rack toothing is controlled by at least one spring. This spring provides the push-button with a substantial travel
Data Source
AI summary
Clasp for a watch bracelet comprising a cover connected on a first side to a first bracelet strand and on a second side to a second bracelet strand, a connecting means being inserted between the second bracelet strand and the cover of the clasp, the connecting means comprising an end link sliding along a longitudinal direction of the clasp between a first position in which the end link is at least partially engaged in the cover of the clasp, and a second position in which the end link is disengaged from the cover of the link, the end link comprising a push-button which, when pressed, causes a toothed element to change from a first position, in which the toothed element is in mesh with a rack toothing integral with the cover of the clasp, to a second position, in which the toothed element is released from the engagement thereof with the rack toothing; the clasp being characterized in that the end link includes a housing in which there is arranged at least one spring, the spring being covered by the push-button.