Watch Strap Insert With Elastic Tongue Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch bracelet fixation systems are complex, expensive to produce, and provide unreliable locking due to weak friction forces, leading to potential deformation or breakage after repeated use, making them insecure and prone to watch loss.
Innovation Solution
A simple and cost-effective insert system for watch bracelet strands, comprising a rigid metal body with a plastic lock that pivots between locking and unlocking positions, ensuring secure attachment to the watch case without tools, using a curved housing with a transverse opening and an elastic tongue for reliable locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a friction-based locking system with folded tabs is used, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is poor due to weak friction forces and potential deformation after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical locking system with a positive engagement system using a tongue that hooks onto a protrusion. This substitution eliminates reliance on friction forces, providing reliable mechanical interlocking that prevents deformation and loss of locking capability after repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tongue is designed with a curved profile that matches the contour of the housing opening. This curvature allows the tongue to flex elastically during engagement and disengagement, ensuring reliable hooking onto the protrusion while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and wear over time.
2Reliability
If a complex folded sheet metal system with three parts is used, then the locking mechanism is established, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated locking tongue component. The tongue combines the functions of locking engagement, elastic flexibility, and manual operation into one part, eliminating the need for multiple separate folded sheet metal components and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tongue is made from elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility and structural integrity. This composite material approach allows the single component to undergo elastic deformation for engagement while maintaining sufficient strength for reliable locking, replacing the need for multiple rigid metal parts.
3Reliability
If a friction-based locking system is used, then the initial locking is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates after repeated use due to tab deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tongue is designed as a dynamic elastic component that can flex during operation. This elasticity allows the tongue to repeatedly engage and disengage from the protrusion without permanent deformation, maintaining ease of operation and reliability over many cycles unlike rigid folded tabs.
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 provides a secure, easy-to-produce, and reliable locking mechanism that ensures the watch bracelet can be mounted and disassembled without tools, maintaining secure attachment and preventing watch loss.
Implementation Method 1
The lock comprises a closing wall of which at least one portion is formed by the wall of at least one elastic tongue
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to an insert (1) for a watch strap strand (10), the insert being intended to be attached to the end of the strand. The insert comprises a housing for a watch case bar (20), said housing being formed by a curved portion (4) of a rigid element (2) which includes a flat portion (3) extended by said curved portion (4). The insert further comprises a latch (12), preferably made of plastic, which is hinged to two arms (11) mounted on the flat portion (3) of the rigid element (2). The latch (12) includes a sealing wall (15), at least a portion of which is formed by the wall (21) of at least one elastic tab (16). The sealing wall (15) will close the housing in the locking position, by the edge (17) of the hook-shaped portion (4) which fits into a notch (22) provided in the wall (21) of the tongue (16).