Watch Strap Fastening Device With Elastic Locking Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bracelet connection systems are difficult for users to disassemble or replace without tools, requiring fragile and complex removable strips, limiting user flexibility in swapping straps for aesthetic or functional reasons.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a first intermediate element and a second intermediate element in sliding connection, featuring an elastically deformable locking blade that secures the fastening element to the component, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional removable bars are used to connect strands to the watch case, then the strands can be replaced, but the bars become fragile and complex to produce, and require tools for assembly/disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into three main segments: the watch case with integrated fastening element, the intermediate fastening device with locking blade, and the strand with connecting stop. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in structure while achieving complex functionality through their interaction, eliminating the need for fragile removable bars.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking blade is nested within the fastening device housing, and the connecting stop is integrated into the strand structure. When assembled, the locking blade engages with the connecting stop in a nested configuration, creating a compact and robust connection that eliminates the need for external removable bars.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional removable bars are used, then strands can be connected, but assembly and disassembly require tools and are difficult for users without tool experience
Solution Approach 1:
The locking blade is made of elastically deformable material that allows it to be manually inserted by simply pressing it against the connecting stop. The elastic deformation enables the blade to flex during insertion and then lock into place automatically, eliminating the need for tools or specialized assembly techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking blade's material parameters are specifically chosen to be elastically deformable, allowing it to change shape during the assembly process. When the blade is pressed against the connecting stop, it deforms elastically to pass behind the stop and then returns to its original shape, creating a secure lock without requiring tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If precious metal buckles are made removable, then users can swap straps, but the value of the buckle is reduced due to frequent handling and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is extracted as a separate intermediate component between the precious metal buckle and the strand. The buckle remains permanently attached to the watch case, while the removable fastening device with locking blade handles all the mechanical stress of strand attachment and detachment, protecting the buckle from wear and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device acts as an intermediary between the precious metal buckle and the strand. All mechanical interactions, including the elastic deformation of the locking blade and the engagement with the connecting stop, occur in this intermediate component rather than in the buckle itself, thereby preserving the buckle's integrity and value.
4Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to hold the fastening device, then the connection is robust, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic locking blade automatically performs the locking function through its own elastic deformation. When pressed against the connecting stop, the blade flexes and snaps into place behind the stop, creating a secure lock without requiring any additional locking components, springs, or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism relies on changing the physical state of the locking blade from rigid to elastically deformable during insertion, then back to rigid when locked. This parameter change enables a simple geometric shape to perform a complex locking function, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components.
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
Enables rapid and robust assembly/disassembly of watch bracelets, allowing users to swap straps easily and safely without tools, maintaining the value of precious metal buckles and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the locking blade and/or the connecting stop is elastically deformable so that the locking blade can be inserted into the blade housing
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3(a)~4(b)
Figure 5(a)~6(b)
AI summary
A fastening device (100) for removably attaching a fastener to a component, comprising a first intermediate element (1) for attachment to the strand and having a fastening housing (20) configured to cooperate with a fastener; and a second intermediate element (2) configured to be assembled with the first intermediate element (1). A locking blade (3) has a portion deformable in a direction out of the plane (A30) formed by the longitudinal axis (A10) and the transverse axis (A20).The second intermediate element (2) cooperates with the locking blade (3) so that, when assembling the second intermediate element (2), the deformable portion (31) is deformed so as to pass over a stop element (11) provided on the first intermediate element (1) and, when the second intermediate element (2) is assembled, the locking blade (3) comes to rest against the connecting stop (11), preventing the second intermediate element (2) from being disassembled from the first intermediate element (1).