Watch Strap Slide-and-Cover Lock for Precise Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch strap length adjustment systems are complex to manufacture and assemble due to numerous small, articulated parts, making them difficult to use and operate.
Innovation Solution
A watch strap length adjustment device with a separate, compact mechanism that includes a base piece, slide, cover, and retaining member, allowing for fine and precise length adjustments without requiring complex assembly, and featuring a cover that provides locking and unlocking functions independently of the bracelet clasp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism with multiple articulated parts is used, then the strap length can be adjusted, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a cover element that houses the locking mechanism, a base element with attachment points, and a retaining element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and simplifies assembly while maintaining the adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit (the cover element) that can be independently manufactured and assembled to the base element. This extraction reduces the complexity of integrating the locking mechanism into the overall strap assembly and simplifies manufacturing processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking mechanism is integrated into the clasp, then the adjustment function is combined, but the ergonomics are degraded as the clasp must be operated for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is segmented from the clasp function, with the cover element providing independent adjustment capability. This allows the user to adjust strap length without operating the clasp, improving ergonomics while maintaining functional integration through the retaining element that connects the cover to the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary that connects the cover element to the base element, allowing the adjustment mechanism to be functionally integrated with the clasp assembly while maintaining operational independence. The retaining element enables the cover to be held in positioned without requiring clasp operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the adjustment mechanism is separated from the clasp, then manufacturing is simplified, but the overall device size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism within the cover element is designed to nest compactly against the base element when in the locked position. The cover element houses the locking mechanism in a space-efficient manner, minimizing the overall volume increase while allowing independent manufacturing of the cover and base components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a watch strap length adjustment device (100, 200), comprising: - a base piece (10), including a first attachment (A), - a slide (20), movable on the base piece and including a second attachment (B), - a cover (30), hinged on the base piece (10), in which the cover (30) includes a locking lug (32), the slide (20) includes a rack with a plurality of locking housings (21) each arranged to: - receive the locking lug (32) and provide a locking of the slide (20) on the base piece (10), - release the locking lug (32) and allow adjustment of a distance between the first attachment (A) and the second attachment (B), characterized in that the cover (30) is hinged with the base piece (10) on the side of the first attachment (A).