Wristlet Clasp Locking Device with Nested Intermediary Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristlet clasps face issues with reliability, bulkiness, and aesthetics, particularly in maintaining a secure lock without separating the wristlet lengths, which can lead to the risk of dropping the wristwatch.
Innovation Solution
A locking device for a wristlet clasp featuring an actuation lever, a locking element, and an intermediate element linked by two degrees of freedom link devices, providing a robust, minimal-bulk, and aesthetically pleasing solution with a cover that conceals the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple loop and tongue cooperation means are used, then the clasp structure is simple, but the wristlet lengths separate immediately when opened, creating a risk of dropping the wristwatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate clasp element as a mediator between the two wristlet lengths. This intermediate element remains continuously attached to both lengths, ensuring that even when the wristlet is opened for adjustment, the lengths stay connected through the clasp, thereby preventing the wristwatch from being dropped while maintaining structural simplicity
2Reliability
If an intermediate clasp element is added to prevent separation, then wristwatch security is improved, but the clasp bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the locking mechanism and intermediate elements within the folded blades structure. The locking element and actuation lever are integrated into the clasp blades themselves, with the locking element positioned within the hollow interior of the blades, thereby minimizing external bulk while maintaining the security function
3Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism with multiple blades is used, then wristwatch security is improved, but the esthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin cover element that flexes and moves with the clasp mechanism. This cover acts as a flexible shell that conceals the locking elements and intermediate components, presenting a sleek, continuous surface that maintains esthetic appearance while allowing the robust locking mechanism to function beneath
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements, actuation lever, and intermediate components are nested within the hollow interior of the clasp blades and cover. This nesting hides the mechanical complexity from view, allowing the exterior to maintain a clean, elegant appearance while the robust locking mechanism operates internally
Data Source
AI summary
A clasp for a wristlet has at least two movable blades (4), (5) articulated with respect to one another about an axis of the blades (51) and a locking device (10) making it possible to lock or unlock a first blade (5) relative to a second blade (4), respectively in closed and open configurations of the clasp. The locking device (10) is linked to the first blade (5) and has an actuation lever (2) intended for the actuation of the locking device by a user, a locking element (1) capable of cooperating with a complementary locking element (4a) of the second blade (4), and an intermediate element (3) linked to the locking element (1) by a first link device and to the actuation lever (2) by a second link device, at least one of these two link devices being provided with at least two degrees of freedom.