Sleeve Retractor Assembly for Tool-Free Wrist Strap Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for wristworn devices, such as wristwatches, are difficult to couple and decouple from straps without tools or special knowledge, and lack versatility for use with multiple spring bars.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve with a retractor mechanism that allows the spring bar to be biased and easily inserted into a recess, enabling coupling and decoupling without tools, and is compatible with various spring bars for widespread use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spring bars are used without additional components, then the structure is simple, but the coupling and decoupling operations are difficult without tools or special knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
A sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the spring bar mechanism. The sleeve contains a retractor that mediates the complex spring bar compression and expansion operations, allowing users to couple and decouple straps without needing to understand or manually manipulate the spring bar mechanics directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractor mechanism within the sleeve provides self-service functionality by automatically compressing and expanding the spring bar as needed. When the user inserts or removes the sleeve from the lug recess, the retractor autonomously performs the work of compressing the spring bar for insertion or expanding it for removal, eliminating the need for external tools or specialized knowledge.
2Ease of operation
If specialized tools or knowledge are required for spring bar operations, then reliable coupling is achieved, but user accessibility and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve acts as a mediator that translates simple user actions (insertion and removal) into reliable spring bar operations. The retractor mechanism ensures that the spring bar is consistently and reliably compressed or expanded through this intermediary, maintaining coupling reliability while eliminating the need for specialized tools or knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-service retractor mechanism automatically ensures proper spring bar compression and expansion, guaranteeing reliable coupling without requiring user expertise. The mechanism self-regulates the force and timing of spring bar manipulation, making the process both reliable and accessible to ordinary users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spring bar designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but versatility for use with multiple spring bars and retrofitting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple different spring bar types and configurations. By placing the complex retractor mechanism within the sleeve rather than integrating it into each spring bar, the design achieves multi-functionality and adaptability across various spring bar variants while maintaining relatively simple individual component manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the retractor mechanism with the sleeve component, creating a single integrated assembly that can accommodate multiple spring bar types. This combination approach allows the versatile, complex retractor-sleeve assembly to interface with simpler, more varied spring bars, achieving overall system versatility without requiring each component to be complex.
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
Facilitates easy strap changes and retrofitting for wristworn devices, improving user accessibility and compatibility with multiple spring bars, reducing complexity and cost compared to prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member for permitting the first end of the spring bar to be biased towards and away from the second end of the spring bar
Implementation Method 2
a retractor coupled to the sleeve for urging the first end of the spring bar towards the second end of the spring bar
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve for use in an assembly for coupling a wristworn device to a first end of a strap. The sleeve has a first end dimensioned to be received in the recess in the inner face of the first lug of a wristworn device, an inner cavity dimensioned to receive therein the first end of a conventional spring bar, and a retractor coupled to the sleeve for urging the first end of the spring bar towards the second end of the spring bar. The second end of the spring bar is coupled to the second lug, the spring bar is coupled to the strap, the first end of the spring bar is positioned in the inner cavity of the sleeve and the first end of the sleeve is coupled to the first lug. A removable retractor for use with a spring bar, which allows for the use of a plurality of spring bars and therefore, lends itself to widespread use and retrofitting of an assembly that couples a strap to a wristworn device, is also provided.