Watch Strap Interchangeable Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch buckle systems lack efficient and tool-free mechanisms for easily swapping straps without damaging the buckle, particularly for valuable items where the buckle should remain intact.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a first and second fastening element, a locking mechanism, and a return element that allows for tool-free attachment and detachment of a watch strand, preventing involuntary detachment and enabling easy swapping of straps while maintaining the buckle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pin bar system is used to attach the strand to the buckle, then the strand can be detached, but the buckle is damaged and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a first fastening element attached to the strand, a second fastening element attached to the buckle, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the strand to be detached and reattached multiple times without damaging the buckle, as the damage-prone pin bar is replaced with a reusable locking mechanism comprising a locking element and return element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the buckle to be recovered and reused after strand detachment. Instead of the traditional pin bar system that damages the buckle upon removal, the locking mechanism allows the strand to be detached and reattached indefinitely without compromising the buckle's integrity, effectively recovering the buckle for continuous use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the buckle is modified to allow strand removal, then the strand can be swapped, but the buckle's value is reduced through modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system separates the interchangeability function into distinct components: the first fastening element on the strand and the second fastening element on the buckle, connected by a locking mechanism. This allows strand interchangeability without modifying the buckle's essential structure, preserving its value while enabling versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the strand to the buckle, enables tool-free detachment, prevents involuntary detachment through the return element's elastic biasing, and allows repeated use. This multi-functionality achieves strand interchangeability without compromising the buckle's value.
3Reliability
If a traditional fastening system is used, then the buckle remains secure, but tool-free strand swapping is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to operate without tools through self-service principles. The locking element automatically engages with the return element through elastic biasing, and the user can detach the strand by simply pressing the release element, which triggers the locking element to disengage. This provides tool-free strand swapping while maintaining secure attachment during wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The locking element is biased by the return element to engage automatically when the strand is attached, and can be easily disengaged when needed. This dynamic behavior provides both security during wear and ease of operation for swapping.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses elastic biasing, then involuntary detachment is prevented, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic biasing function is extracted into a separate return element that independently provides the necessary force to keep the locking element engaged. This separation simplifies the overall design by dedicating specific components to specific functions: the locking element for engagement, the return element for biasing, and the release element for actuation, reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The return element acts as an intermediary between the locking element and the strand attachment. It provides elastic biasing to ensure the locking element remains engaged during normal wear, preventing involuntary detachment, while allowing easy disengagement when the release element is actuated. This intermediary component adds reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
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 secure, tool-free, and damage-free swapping of watch straps, providing flexibility in choosing bracelet designs without altering the buckle or watch case.
Implementation Method 1
a return element. The locking mechanism is configured such that the first locking member moves relative to the second locking member between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first locking member is engaged with the second locking member, the biasing member exerting a pressing force between the two locking members
Implementation Method 2
In the unlocked position, an unlocking force opposite the pressing force is exerted on the biasing member, disengaging the second fastening member from the transverse housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1e
Figure 1f~2a
AI summary
A fastening system (1) intended to removably attach a strand (60) to a component (50); the fastening system (1) comprising: a first fastening element (10) intended to be attached to the strand (60) and having a transverse housing (11); a second fastening element (20) configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the component (50) and comprising a connecting portion (210) arranged to cooperate with the transverse housing (11); and a locking mechanism comprising a first locking element (12) provided on the fastening element (10) and a second locking element (212) provided on the second fastening element (20).The first locking element (12) moves relative to the second locking element (212) between a locked position in which the first locking element (12) is engaged with the second locking element (212), and an unlocked position, in which the first and second locking elements (12, 212) are not engaged.