Belt Buckle Locking Member Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional belt buckles lack a mechanism for easy and secure adjustment of belt tightness, often requiring manual force to overcome tension for locking and unlocking, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A belt assembly with a buckle body featuring a locking member and tension band that automatically shifts between open and closed positions based on belt movement, using a friction member to engage and disengage the belt, allowing for effortless tightening and loosening by overcoming the tension band's constant pull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional belt buckle is used, then the belt can be held securely around the waist, but manual force is required to overcome tension for locking and unlocking which is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to dynamically shift between locked and unlocked positions based on the direction of belt movement. When the belt is pulled in the tightening direction, the locking member automatically engages; when pulled in the loosening direction, it automatically disengages. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for manual locking/unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle mechanism performs automatic locking and unlocking without user intervention. The locking member responds autonomously to belt tension changes, engaging when the belt is tightened and disengaging when loosened, making the system self-regulating and eliminating manual operation requirements.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the belt, then the belt remains secure around the waist, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the existing belt passage structure. The locking member is integrated into the buckle body and works in conjunction with the belt's natural tension rather than requiring a separate locking system. This consolidation maintains reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the belt tension and the buckle body. It translates the force of belt tension into automatic engagement or disengagement, providing secure fastening through a simple intermediate component rather than a complex mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a friction member is used to engage the belt, then easy adjustment is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex with additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member serves multiple functions: it acts as a friction member for engagement, a locking element for securing the belt, and an automatic actuator responsive to tension changes. This multi-functionality achieves easy adjustment without requiring separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables easy and secure adjustment of belt tightness without manual force, ensuring the belt remains secure around the waist while allowing for simple removal and adjustment, enhancing user convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a tension band (100) that exhibits a degree of tension and comprises first end (102) that is wrapped about the first pin member (52) and a second end (104) that extends through the gap (42) and is wrapped about the third pin member (90) in slot (74). The tension band (100) urges locking member (60) to the open position
Implementation Method 2
At least one friction member (82) is attached to the bottom side (73) of the locking member (60) for frictionally engaging a portion of intermediate belt section (204) that is within interior region (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A belt buckle has a buckle body having an interior region for receiving a belt and a pivoting member that is pivotally attached to the buckle body. The pivoting member can pivot in a first direction to a first position and in a second, opposite direction to a second position. When the pivoting member is in the first position, the pivoting member contacts a section of belt within the buckle. When there is tension on the belt, the tension pulls the pivoting member downward so as to create firm and frictional contact between the pivoting member and the section of belt thereby preventing the belt from becoming loose. When the pivoting member is in the second position, the section of belt can be moved freely through the buckle in one direction to tighten the belt around the waist of a wearer or in an opposite direction to loosen the belt around the wearer's waist or withdraw the section of belt from the buckle.