Armor Attachment Mechanism with Visual Locking Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armor attachment mechanisms lack a reliable and visually confirmable method for ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of armor elements to protected bodies, often leading to uncertain attachment status during mounting and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An attachment mechanism comprising a first unit and a second unit that engage with each other, featuring a dynamic member and a locking member, allowing for a visually distinguishable locked position to confirm proper engagement, with a biasing arrangement to maintain the locked position and facilitate easy disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of engagement confirmation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change appearance based on engagement status. The first visual indicator shows different configurations when the dynamic member is in engaged versus disengaged positions, providing immediate visual confirmation of attachment reliability without adding complex mechanical feedback systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism automatically provides engagement confirmation through its own structural configuration. The dynamic member's position relative to the first and second units inherently creates visible differences, allowing the system to self-indicate its state without external monitoring devices or complex feedback mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disengagement, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic member that can move between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the first and second units. This dynamic configuration provides inherent security through positional interlocking while maintaining simplicity by using the same moving component for both attachment and visual indication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locking engagement when in the engaged position, enables visual confirmation through its relative positioning, and allows for easy disengagement when moved to the disengaged position. This multi-functionality reduces overall mechanism complexity while enhancing reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a visual indication system is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes visual indicators that present different observable configurations based on the dynamic member's position. When engaged, the indicator shows one configuration; when disengaged, it shows another. This provides intuitive visual feedback without requiring additional electronic or mechanical indication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indication function is merged with the structural components of the attachment mechanism itself. The dynamic member's position relative to the first and second units inherently creates the visual distinction, combining the locking function and indication function into a single integrated system rather than adding separate indication mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If a dynamic member is introduced for engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic member that can be easily moved between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the first and second units. This single moving component enables simple attachment and disengagement operations while providing the necessary flexibility for visual indication, avoiding the need for multiple separate moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the mechanical engagement when positioned with the first unit, enables visual confirmation through its relative positioning, and allows for easy disengagement when moved to the disengaged position. This consolidation of functions into a single component minimizes the number of moving parts while maximizing operational ease.
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
Ensures secure and visually confirmable attachment of armor elements to protected bodies, preventing accidental disengagement and enhancing operational safety by providing a clear indication of the locking status.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing arrangement configured for urging the locking member into the second, locked position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
An attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of an armor element (A) to a body (B) to be protected by the armor element (A). The attachment mechanism comprises a first unit (100) and a second unit (200) which are adapted to engage with each other to provide the attachment. The first unit (100) comprises a first static member (110) and the second unit (200) comprising a second static member (210) and a working member (220). One of the static members (110,210) is adapted for fixed attachment to the armor element (A), and the other (210,110) is adapted for fixed attachment to the body (B) to be protected. The second unit (200) is configured for assuming a first, disengaged position, in which the working member (220) is disengaged from the first unit (100) such that the armor element (A) and the body (B) to be protected are detached from one another and a second, engaged position in which the working member (220) is engaged with the first unit (100) such that the armor element (A) and the body (B) to be protected are fixedly attached to one another. The working member (220) further comprises a locking member (240) configured for engagement with the first unit (100) to prevent disengagement of the working member (220) from the first unit (100), thereby retaining the first unit (100) and the second unit (200) fixedly attached to one another.