Wristwatch Strap Morphology Scanning for Precise Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring a wristwatch bracelet length are imprecise, time-consuming, and do not adequately consider the wearer's morphology and preferences, leading to suboptimal fit and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for determining morphological characteristics of the wearer, including wrist and hand dimensions, using sensors like cameras or lasers, to automatically calculate and configure an optimal bracelet length and fit, considering preferences and activities, using a computer program to iteratively match the bracelet configuration to the wearer's data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement and iterative adjustment methods are used to configure bracelet length, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but the method is time-consuming and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet length measurement precisionVSAvoidtime for bracelet configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with automated optical or laser-based measurement systems. These systems use cameras or laser sensors to capture wrist morphology data and automatically calculate the optimal bracelet length, eliminating the need for manual tape measure readings and iterative adjustments by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service configuration by automatically processing wrist measurement data and determining the optimal bracelet length without requiring operator intervention or experience. The automated system performs all calculations and recommendations independently, making the process both faster and more consistent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional bracelet adjustment mechanisms with multiple links and locking mechanisms are used, then the bracelet can achieve stable positioning, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet positioning stabilityVSAvoidclasp mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adjustment function from the complex mechanical clasp mechanism and relocates it to the bracelet ends. By placing adjustment elements directly at the bracelet terminals, the system achieves stable positioning without requiring multiple internal links and locking mechanisms within the clasp itself, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to the folding clasp to achieve comfort adjustment, then the bracelet length can be fine-tuned, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet length adaptabilityVSAvoidbracelet adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically determining the optimal bracelet length before the user receives or wears the bracelet. By calculating the precise length needed based on wrist morphology data and storing this information, the bracelet can be pre-configured or easily adjusted to the correct length without requiring the user to manually trial multiple adjustment positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If iterative manual adjustment by operator is performed to achieve optimal bracelet configuration, then the bracelet can be customized to wearer preferences, but the productivity and efficiency of the configuration process decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracelet configuration customizationVSAvoidbracelet configuration speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the measured wrist morphology data to automatically determine and recommend the optimal bracelet length. The system takes input data (wrist measurements), processes it through calculation algorithms, and provides feedback in the form of specific configuration recommendations, enabling rapid customization without iterative manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Provides a reliable, user-friendly, and efficient solution for configuring a wristwatch bracelet that ensures a comfortable fit and adequate hand passage, reducing the need for manual adjustments and improving the overall wearing experience.

Implementation Method 1

using sensors like cameras or lasers, to automatically calculate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

using sensors like cameras or lasers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3886642B1Method and system for determining at least one morphological data of a wearer of a wristwatch strap, method for configuring a strap implementing said determination method, and method for manufacturing a wristwatch according to the configuration method
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 ROLEX SA
  • EP3886642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3886642B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3886642B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for determining at least one morphological data item of a wriststrap wearer in order to prepare (E3) a wristwatch strap taking into account this at least one morphological data item, characterised in that it comprises a first step of acquiring (E1) at least one morphological data item (1; 2) of the wriststrap wearer from an acquisition device of a determination system (11) provided with at least one sensor, such as a camera, a laser or a lens, configured to scan, photograph, or film at least a portion of the wrist and/or hand of the wearer, wherein the determination system (11) is designed to receive and optionally emit waves in such a way as to acquire at least one morphological characteristic of the wearer of the bracelet in a first operation (O11) of acquiring said at least one morphological characteristic, the at least one morphological data item being a dimension (1) from among a circumference and/or a height and/or a width of a wrist portion (p1) of the wearer intended to be wearing the the wristwatch (13) and/or of a portion of the hand (p2) of the wearer.