Angled Gate Carabiner With Key-Trap Retention Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carabiners lack sufficient security and usability when holding keys or other objects, as they can accidentally fall off due to their design, particularly with the gate angle and gate rest configuration.
Innovation Solution
The carabiner design features angled gates with extended gate rest extensions, positioned at a 60-degree angle relative to the carabiner body openings, providing a secure 'key trap' mechanism that prevents accidental removal of keys by ensuring they are locked in place and can only be removed intentionally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional carabiner gate design is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but keys and objects can accidentally fall off due to insufficient security
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is positioned at an asymmetric 60-degree angle relative to the carabiner body opening, creating an angled gate configuration that differs from conventional symmetric designs. This asymmetry allows the gate to naturally guide and trap keys against the gate rest, preventing accidental removal while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
An extended gate rest extension is introduced as an intermediary element between the gate and the carabiner body. This extension provides a larger surface area for keys to rest against and be trapped by the angled gate, enhancing security without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex components
2Reliability
If conventional gate rest configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but keys can easily slide off and be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gate rest is extended in a direction perpendicular to the original gate rest plane, creating a three-dimensional key trap structure. This extension into another dimension allows the gate rest to protrude further into the carabiner opening, effectively blocking keys from sliding off while maintaining overall structural simplicity
3Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are added to prevent accidental removal, then security is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The angled gate configuration with extended gate rest creates a self-trapping mechanism that automatically secures keys without requiring additional locking actions. The geometry of the angled gate and extended rest works together to naturally prevent key removal, allowing users to simply attach and detach keys without operating complex locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a carabiner that includes a carabiner body including a first side and a second side opposite of the first side, the carabiner body forming an opening on the first side and including a gate base and a gate rest. The carabiner further includes a pivotable gate coupled to the gate base on or near the second side at a pivotable point and adapted to contact the gate rest when in a closed position.