Wristwatch Strap Removable Flexible Strip Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatch bracelet systems face complexity in producing and conveniently replacing removable covering elements, making it difficult to switch between different colored bands without tools.
Innovation Solution
A wristwatch bracelet design featuring a removable flexible band with complementary profiles at its ends for secure attachment, utilizing a pivoted clasp mechanism to easily access and detach the band, and a dual-layer construction with a slippery inner layer for reduced friction and improved wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a removable covering element is attached to bracelet links using multiple protrusions and anchoring elements, then the attachment security is improved, but the device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two functional segments: protrusions integrated into the covering element and corresponding recesses integrated into the bracelet links. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with simpler geometry, while still achieving secure attachment when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex anchoring element system from prior art is extracted and replaced with simple complementary geometric profiles. The protrusions and recesses are directly formed as integral parts of their respective components, eliminating the need for separate anchoring mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a complex anchoring system with multiple protrusions is used to attach the covering element, then the attachment security is improved, but the ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp mechanism introduces dynamic movement to the otherwise static attachment system. By pivoting the clasp between closed and open positions, the user can easily engage or disengage the covering element without tools, while the complementary profiles maintain secure attachment during normal wear.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer flexible band is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the durability and wear resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band is constructed as a composite structure with an outer aesthetic layer and an inner functional layer. The outer layer provides appearance and protection, while the inner layer with low-friction material provides durability and resistance to wear against the bracelet links, achieving both aesthetic and functional requirements.
4Strength
If the inner layer material has high friction properties, then the grip and holding capability is improved, but the wear resistance and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the flexible band have different friction properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer layer has appropriate friction for aesthetic and tactile purposes, while the inner layer has low-friction properties specifically where it contacts the bracelet links, reducing wear and facilitating smooth movement without compromising overall structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Wrist-watch strap-band half, the strap-band half (1) comprising a first end (2) designed to be connected to a case (3) of the watch, and a second end (4) connected to a clasp (5). The strap-band half (1) further comprising a removable flexible strip (6) which covers part of the external surface of the strap-band half (1) along the length thereof. The removable flexible strip (66) comprises, at the first end (2) of the strap-band half, a first projection (7) which becomes inserted into an opening (8) formed in the first end (2) of the strap-band half, the first projection (7) and the said opening (8) of the strap-band half (1) having complementary profiles which collaborate with one another in order to secure the first projection (7) of the flexible strip (6) removably to the strap-band half (1). The second end (4) of the strap-band half is connected to a pivoting fastening element (9) of the clasp (5) that has a closed position folded against the strap-band half (1) and a raised open position. The removable flexible strip (6) comprises, at the second end (4) of the strap-band half, a second projection (10) which is held in place and hidden by the pivoting fastening element (9) when the latter is in the closed position, and when the pivoting fastening element (9) is in the open position, it uncovers and provides access to the second projection (10) of the flexible strip (6) so as to allow the user to pull on the flexible strip (6) in order to detach the first projection (7) of the flexible strip (6) from the strap-band half.