Easy Clasp

In collaboration with the Occupational Therapy Department at

An adaptive magnetic necklace clasp system to ease the process of wearing jewelry

Features

The user simply holds the two ends close together, and the magnets self locate the clasp. Once attached, if any torsion force is applied from a snag or pull the flanges lock in place. Then the magnets return the clasp to its original position. The user can then pull the ends apart to take it off.

A universal spring latch on each end of the easy clasp ensures its accessibility as it can be attached and detached from any necklace back. Users do not need to fiddle with the lobster clasp or small loops.

Process

Client

Working with the Jefferson Occupational Therapy Program, a client with Parkinson's presented an interesting issue. The main problem was necklaces were too difficult to wear due to the tiny clasping feature, and the actuation of the clasping feature was painful. This caused emotional strife as she could not express herself.

Current Market

To make sure we designed a usable solution we looked at some current market offerings. These offerings utilized magnets to lock the two ends together however they did not provide any/adequate security feature.

Design Criteria

Must Easily Attach To Necklaces
Must Attach Both Ends Of The Necklace
Must Not Require A Pinch Grip
Must Increase The Area Of Attachment
Must Not Distract From Jewelry
Must Not Be Substantially Larger Than Current Clasps

Initial Iteration

We decided the best solution would be one with the least required dexterity, utilizing magnets seemed like the perfect route forward. The first initial concept utilized a barrel and rod method with used torsion for security.

Prototype v1+2

Testing the magnetics proved promising! However, while there was some added security with the barrel and rod system, it did not provide nearly enough to prevent the unwanted unattachment of the necklace clasp.

Continued Iteration

We realized a flanged security system could reside inside the clasp so that the user would not need to do any extra steps to attach it. It would allow for the clasp to lock without pinching the user. We also started thinking about how we could attach the clasp to necklaces by using a universal spring latch.