Watch Strap Attachment Device Sliding Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch bracelet attachment devices are complex, require meticulous assembly, and are not compatible with watches having lug spacings less than a standard 20 mm, limiting their versatility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A simplified attachment device comprising two half-links that form a complete link, allowing for easy assembly and attachment to watches with non-standard lug spacings, featuring a sliding connection and elastic return mechanism for secure locking without the need for tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional removable bracelet attachment devices are used, then the bracelet can be attached to the watch case, but the device comprises a large number of parts and requires meticulous assembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (first link portion, second link portion, locking member, release member) into an integrated attachment device that functions as a single unit. The first and second link portions are connected to form a complete link, with the locking and release mechanisms built into this integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is designed to be universally applicable to watches with various lug spacings (including non-standard widths less than 20mm). The first attachment portion can attach to different watch case configurations, and the second attachment portion can accommodate various bracelet types, making the device multi-functional across different watch systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional attachment devices with movable latches are used, then the bracelet can be secured to the watch case, but the device requires meticulous assembly and has complex parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the first attachment portion when the second link portion is positioned correctly, without requiring manual adjustment or meticulous assembly. The elastic return member provides automatic resetting action, and the entire locking mechanism operates through simple user action rather than precise manual assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is made movable relative to the second link portion, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element engages automatically with the first attachment portion when the bracelet is attached, providing secure locking through motion rather than static precision assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard 20mm width straps are used, then the strap has predetermined dimensions, but it cannot be attached to watches with insufficient lug width

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various lug spacingsVSAvoidadjustability mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is divided into a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion that can be adjusted relative to each other. The first attachment portion attaches to the watch case while the second attachment portion attaches to the bracelet, allowing the effective width to be adjusted to accommodate various lug spacings including non-standard widths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows change in the effective width parameter by adjusting the position and orientation of the first and second attachment portions. This enables the same device to accommodate various lug widths (including less than 20mm) by modifying the geometric parameters of the attachment configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 easy, tool-free attachment and detachment of bracelets to watches with non-standard lug spacings, reducing manufacturing and assembly complexity while ensuring secure fitment of flexible straps, even on watches with incompatible interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

elastic return means, arranged to return the second half-link to the locking position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3918946B1Device for attaching a strap to a watch case

Publication Date: 2023.03.29 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA

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AI summary

A device for attaching a watch strap to a watch case (100) comprises: - a first half-link (10) including a first attachment portion (A) arranged to attach removably to a mounting portion of the watch case (100) formed, for example, by a first bar (101), - a second attachment portion (B) arranged to attach the strap, - a second half-link (20) mounted by sliding connection on the first half-link (10), so as to form a movable locking member between: - an open position, in which the second half-link (20) allows the first attachment portion (A) to be attached to or detached from the watch case (100), and - a locked position, in which the second half-link (20) cooperates with the first attachment portion (A) to lock it onto the watch case (100), - elastic return means, arranged to return the second half-link (20) in locking position.