Breakaway Retention Mechanism for Multi-Directional Emergency Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breakaway retention systems are complex, expensive, and require specific force direction, making them unsuitable for generic breakaway clamping and often necessitate significant space, while failing to reliably disconnect in emergency situations without compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway retention device comprising a retention body with resilient components and retention members that securely engage a retention knob, allowing decoupling only upon application of a predetermined breakaway force, regardless of force direction, using a housing with flexible components and strategically positioned retention members to facilitate secure attachment and emergency release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional breakaway retention systems use specific line-of-force mechanisms, then breakaway functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into discrete retention members (e.g., cam members, hook members) that can independently engage and disengage from the retained object. Each retention member functions as a separate segment that can be actuated individually, simplifying the overall mechanical arrangement while maintaining reliable breakaway functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a specific line-of-force direction to trigger breakaway, the system is designed so that retention members can be actuated from multiple directions. The retention members are configured to engage and disengage regardless of the force application direction, inverting the conventional approach and eliminating the need for precise force alignment.
2Reliability
If conventional breakaway retention systems are designed for specific force directions, then breakaway occurs, but considerable surrounding space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to flex and respond to forces applied from any direction. This dynamic design enables the system to function in a compact configuration without requiring significant surrounding space, as the members can adapt their orientation and movement to accommodate multi-directional force application.
3Reliability
If conventional breakaway retention systems use complex mechanical arrangements, then breakaway protection is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members are designed as simple, potentially disposable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than using complex, expensive mechanical arrangements, the system employs straightforward retention members that provide reliable breakaway protection at lower cost, accepting that these simpler components may need replacement rather than repair.
4Strength
If conventional breakaway retention systems require specific force direction, then secure coupling is maintained, but ease of operation in emergency situations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention members are designed with universal functionality, capable of engaging and disengaging from the retained object regardless of the force application direction. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain secure coupling during normal operation while enabling easy emergency release from any direction, eliminating the need for precise force alignment and improving operational ease in critical situations.
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 solution provides a reliable, space-efficient, and cost-effective breakaway mechanism that ensures secure coupling while allowing safe disengagement at a selectable force, enhancing safety and versatility in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means arranged to resiliently bias the locking members towards each other to substantially close the through-aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Breakaway retention device (100) is comprises a retained member (120) and a retention body (110). The retention member includes a retention knob (121). The retention body includes a housing having one or more resilient components (113a and 113b), two or more retention members (114a, 114b, 114a, and 114d), and a retention space (118). The retention space is at least partially defined by the retention members and configured to receive the retention knob when the retained member and the retention body are coupled together. The resilient components are disposed to resiliently maintain each of the retention members in a predetermined engagement position in the retention body to engage the retention knob when the retained member and the retention body are coupled together. The retained member and the retention body are prevented from being decoupled without the application of a predetermined force.