Watch Strap Attachment Device with Automatic Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bracelet attachment devices lack a simple and quick mechanism for locking and unlocking, making them cumbersome to use.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device with a movable locking part and a control device featuring an actuating button, along with a blocking member that automatically returns the locking part to its locked position, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by user operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the attachment device is secure, but it requires complex operations to lock and unlock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking and unlocking operationVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking piece is designed to automatically return to the locked position without user intervention. When the actuating button is released, the locking piece self-actuates back to the locked position through the return mechanism, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: an actuating button for initiation, a locking piece for execution, and a return mechanism for reset. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall operation sequence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a manual locking process is used, then the device structure is simple, but it requires special operations to lock the fastening device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking operationVSAvoidlocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The return mechanism is pre-loaded with energy (via spring or elastic deformation) that is automatically released when the actuating button is pressed. This preliminary preparation allows the locking piece to rapidly return to the locked position, reducing the time required for the locking operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the locking piece remains in the open position, then it is easy to attach, but it does not provide secure attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking piece automatically performs the securing function by returning to the locked position without requiring additional user actions. This self-actuating behavior ensures reliable attachment while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through the use of passive return elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism provides tactile feedback through the actuating button that confirms the locking piece has returned to the locked position. This feedback ensures the user knows the attachment is secure without requiring complex verification systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4209147A1Attachment device for a timepiece or piece of jewellery
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP4209147A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4209147A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4209147A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device for attaching a bracelet strap to an attachment interface (100), comprising: - a receiving piece (10), - a locking piece (20), movable between: - a locking position, - an open position, - a control device with at least one actuating button, arranged to allow a user to move the locking piece (20) at least from the locking position to the open position, characterized: - in that the attachment device includes a locking member (40) capable of holding the locking piece (20) in the open position, - and in that the attachment device includes a control part arranged to trigger an automatic movement of the locking piece (20) to the locking position.