Wristwatch Clasp Blade Shape Dynamics for Comfort and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatch clasps struggle to balance comfort and ease of hand passage, with prior solutions either compromising comfort for larger hands or complicating construction and operation.
Innovation Solution
A folding clasp design featuring a movable blade that transitions between two predefined shapes, maintaining comfort in the closed configuration while optimizing hand access in the deployed configuration without increasing blade length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the blade length is increased to facilitate hand passage, then the opening area is improved, but the wearing comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The movable blade is designed to dynamically change its shape between two predefined configurations: a first shape when the clasp is closed that conforms to the wrist for comfort, and a second shape when the clasp is deployed that creates a larger opening for hand passage. This dynamic transformation allows the blade to optimize for different functions at different times without requiring increased blade length.
2Ease of operation
If the blade length is decreased to improve wearing comfort, then the comfort is improved, but the opening area is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The movable blade transforms from a first shape with smaller radius of curvature (when closed) to a second shape with larger radius of curvature (when deployed), effectively increasing the opening area without requiring the blade to be physically longer. The shape transformation is achieved through the blade's ability to pivot and change configuration around the articulation axis.
3Area of moving object
If multiple blades are added to facilitate hand passage, then the opening area is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The movable blade is divided into multiple parts that can pivot relative to each other around an articulation axis, allowing the blade to transform between different shapes. This segmentation enables the blade to achieve complex shape changes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to adding multiple separate blades.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the blade is made rigid to maintain shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to change shape is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into multiple parts connected by articulation, allowing each part to maintain structural rigidity while the assembly as a whole can change shape through relative movement of the parts. This segmentation enables both structural stability and shape adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between stable configurations. The movable blade can maintain a stable first shape when closed and transform to a stable second shape when deployed, providing both structural stability and shape change capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Folding clasp for bracelet, characterized in that it comprises at least two blades (1, 2), of which a movable blade (1) is articulated on a second blade (2) at the first ends, the clasp being able to occupy a first closed configuration in which: - The movable blade (1) has a first predefined shape (C1) and extends continuously over its entire length, substantially along the surface of the second blade (2); - The second end of the movable blade (1) is held in position by the clasp;the clasp being able to occupy a second deployed configuration in which the second end of the movable blade (1) is free, the movable blade (1) thus being able to be away from the surface of the second blade (2), characterized in that, in the second deployed configuration, the movable blade (1) is able to present a second predefined shape (C2), different from the first predefined shape (C1), to optimize the passage surface of the hand of a wearer of the clasp.;