Belt Retention Device Segmentation for Secure Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for fastening the free end of belts and straps around the body are either ineffective due to movement issues with passing-through elements or aesthetically unsuitable for fashion purposes when using specialized buckles.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of retention devices on belts that include first means to hook the taut part of the belt and second means to hook the free end, ensuring secure adherence to the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passing-through element is used to fasten the free end of the belt, then the free end can be secured, but the element tends to move and fails to perform its function reliably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidposition stability of fastening element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into two separate functional components: a retention device with first means that hooks the taut part of the belt, and second means that hooks the free end. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing the movement and failure issues experienced with single-passing-through elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the taut part of the belt and the free end. Instead of directly passing through the free end (which causes movement), the retention device mediates the connection by hooking both parts separately, providing stable and reliable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a specialized buckle is used to pass the free end below the belt, then the fastening is technically valid, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening effectivenessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is segmented from the main buckle structure. The retention device is applied to a hole of the belt and operates independently, allowing the main buckle to maintain its aesthetic design while the retention device provides the necessary fastening function in a less visible manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention device serves as an intermediary fastening mechanism that preserves the aesthetic appearance of the main buckle. By hooking the free end separately through a hole in the belt, it avoids the need for specialized buckles that compromise appearance, while still providing effective fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a specialized buckle is used to fasten the free end, then the fastening works for short excess parts, but the belt durability improves excessively, negatively impacting the market

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening functionalityVSAvoidbelt lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The retention device is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be easily replaced if worn. This allows the main belt to have a longer lifespan while the retention device serves as a consumable part that can be replaced without replacing the entire belt, balancing durability with market replacement cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3657971B1Belts and straps equipped with a device for fastening the excess part
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 MY TOUCHER SRL
  • EP3657971B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657971B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3657971B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6(c)

AI summary

Belts (1, 20, 30), straps or similar items are described, equipped with means adapted to fasten their free end, such means being applicati to the free end of the belts, straps or similar items. The items can be belts for clothing, straps for shoes and leather goods in general, for watches, for costume jewelry or jewelry bracelets, and can be applied in all cases in which it is necessary to fasten the excess part; the means adapted to fasten the free end comprise a retention device (3, 32), applied to a hole (1c, 20c, 30c) of the belt (1, 20, 30), adapted to connect the free end (la, 20a, 30a) of the belt (1, 20, 30) to a part (lb, 20b, 30b) of the belt (1, 20, 30), which adheres to the body of the person who wears it, the retention device (3, 32) being equipped with first means adapted to hook the adhering part (1b, 20b, 30b) of the belt (1, 20, 30), and second means adapted to hook the free end (la, 20a, 30a) of the belt (1, 20, 30).