Watch Strap Clasp with Tapered Latches for One-Handed Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clasps for securing two ends of a strand, such as belts or watch straps, are difficult to engage and disengage, especially in applications where only one hand is available, and often require complex assembly or risk wear and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A clasp comprising a single plug part and a single socket part, connected by inserting the plug part into the socket part, with tapered profiles for easy alignment and two latching mechanisms supported by springs for secure connection, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement without complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clasp uses multiple interlocking plug and socket components, then the connection becomes secure, but the alignment and engagement become difficult especially when only one hand is available
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into two separate components: a plug component and a socket component. Each component has its own latching mechanism with latches and corresponding catches. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and easier to align while maintaining secure connection through the distributed latching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latches on the plug component and catches on the socket component are pre-configured with tapered surfaces that guide alignment during the engagement process. The tapered surfaces automatically align the components as they approach each other, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and making the clasp easy to engage even with one hand.
2Reliability
If a clasp uses latches that must be inserted inside the socket component, then the connection becomes secure, but the engagement and disengagement become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting latches inside the socket component, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing latches on the plug component and corresponding catches on the socket component. The latches engage with the catches from the outside as the plug is inserted into the socket, making both engagement and disengagement easier while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered surfaces on the latches and catches are designed to automatically guide the engagement process. As the plug component is inserted into the socket component, the tapered surfaces self-align the latches with the catches, and the spring mechanisms automatically push the latches into engagement without requiring precise manual positioning.
3Reliability
If a clasp uses folding parts with friction snap, then the connection becomes secure, but the manufacturing complexity increases and wear risk increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the latching function and spring mechanism into integrated components. Each latch is formed as part of the plug component structure, and each catch is formed as part of the socket component structure. This reduces the total number of separate parts and eliminates complex assembly while maintaining secure connection through the latching mechanisms.
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 is easy to use in various applications, including belts, watch straps, and cargo straps, with a secure connection that withstands forces applied perpendicularly, and requires no assembly or adjustment, reducing the risk of wear and breakage.
Implementation Method 1
two springs in the plug part which are not made from separate components, nor do they require any separate assembly, but which are incorporated as a part of the whole of the plug part. These springs are connected to and provide force against the latching mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
Two latching mechanisms also support a secure connection by continually applying friction while in the connected position
Data Source
AI summary
A clasp for a watch strap or belt is described, which includes one plug part and one socket part able to be joined together by inserting the plug part into the socket part with latches provided on the plug part corresponding to catches provided on the socket part so that it provides a secure connection, the plug and socket parts being able to be disconnected from each other by applying pressure to releasing protrusions provided on the plug part and the socket part that yield force necessary to overcome friction created by the latches provided on the plug part thus disconnecting the plug part from the socket part. Springs are used to bias the latches into a latched position, which bias may be overcome by applying pressure to the releasing protrusions.