Belt Clip With Spring Channel for Excess Material
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Excess belt material after passing through the buckle often dangles unsightly, as existing solutions fail to neatly secure and manage this excess, particularly in cases where the user has lost weight or the belt is initially too long.
Innovation Solution
A belt clip with a U-shaped body and an arcuate spring member that secures excess belt material by forming a channel between its portions, using a flexible spring member to compress and retain the belt, and optionally includes a removable plate for customization and a button for enhanced securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the belt is made longer to accommodate weight loss, then the belt can fit the user, but the excess belt material dangles unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess belt material from the main belt structure by using a separate belt clip that captures and secures only the dangling portion. The belt clip is attached to the main belt body, isolating the excess material management function from the primary belt structure, allowing the main belt to maintain its appearance while the clip handles the excess material.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt clip acts as an intermediary device between the main belt and the excess material. It interfaces with the belt through a channel and secures the excess material using a spring member, serving as a mediating structure that connects the belt to the dangling portion while providing a neat appearance.
2Reliability
If the belt is threaded through belt loops, then the belt can be secured, but the excess material still dangles and flops around
Solution Approach 1:
The belt clip extracts and secures the excess material that cannot be managed by belt loops alone. It is attached to the main belt body and specifically captures the dangling portion, separating the function of belt security (provided by loops) from the function of excess material management (provided by the clip).
Solution Approach 2:
The belt securing system is segmented into multiple functional components: belt loops for securing the main belt, and a separate belt clip for managing excess material. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
3Shape
If a belt clip is added to secure excess material, then the appearance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The belt clip merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it attaches to the main belt through a channel, secures excess material using a spring member, and provides a neat appearance. This consolidation reduces the need for multiple separate components while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt clip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector to the main belt, provides a spring-loaded securing mechanism for excess material, and functions as an aesthetic element. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding capability.
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
The belt clip effectively manages and secures excess belt material, preventing unsightly dangling and allowing for easy attachment and detachment, enhancing both functionality and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate spring member having a first end, a middle portion and a second end, the first end of the spring member extending from the first end of the second portion and the middle portion of the spring member having a concave surface and a convex surface
Data Source
AI summary
A belt clip is provided for retaining an excess amount of belt material about a waist of a user. The disclosed belt clip generally includes a preferably U-shaped body portion having an elongate, preferably straight first portion, a preferably curved middle portion and an elongate second portion. The first and second portions define a channel therebetween for receipt of a length of belt material. An arcuate spring member is provided and has a first end, a middle portion and a second end. The first end of the spring member is attached to a free, first end of the second portion and the middle portion of the spring member has a concave surface and a convex surface. The belt clip can additionally include a plate extending from the first portion for display of indicia or images.