Buckle Assembly Gap Aperture Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick release buckle systems used in protective garments are susceptible to unintended disengagement due to environmental contacts, compromising the wearer's protection during operations, and there is a need for a secure and stable fastening mechanism with a minimal profile.
Innovation Solution
A buckle assembly design featuring a male and female component with a gap and aperture configuration that allows for secure engagement and quick release, utilizing tapered edge portions to minimize profile and prevent accidental disengagement, and a method for operating the buckle that involves inserting latches through a gap and aperture for locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If quick release configurations are provided for quick disengagement of the buckle assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to environmental contact and unintended disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle assembly is divided into distinct functional zones: the exterior gap region for quick release access and the interior aperture region for secure locked engagement. The latch member is segmented into a shank portion that transitions from the gap into the aperture, allowing it to assume different positions (engaged/disengaged) based on environmental conditions and user intent.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is designed with a preliminary engagement state where the blocking portion prevents disengagement before environmental contacts can cause unintended release. The latch must be deliberately actuated by inserting it through the aperture to the disengaged position, creating a preliminary barrier against accidental release while maintaining quick release capability.
2Ease of operation
If the latch is positioned on the exterior for quick access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to vulnerability to environmental contact
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the buckle assembly have different functional qualities: the exterior gap provides open access for quick release, while the interior aperture provides a protected, recessed engagement zone. The latch member transitions from the accessible exterior gap into the protected interior aperture, allowing the system to exhibit different local properties (openness vs. protection) at different locations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the buckle assembly maintains a minimal profile, then the object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but the device complexity increases to achieve secure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The gap and aperture are merged into a unified structural feature of the buckle assembly. The gap extends into the aperture, creating a continuous pathway that serves both quick release and secure engagement functions. This merging reduces the need for separate protective structures while maintaining minimal profile and environmental resistance.
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 buckle assembly provides secure and stable fastening while allowing for quick release, minimizing the risk of accidental disengagement and maintaining a low profile to prevent environmental impacts, ensuring optimal protection and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the latches of the male portion are flexed in a direction away from a normal unflexed relaxed position. With the latches of the male portion sufficiently inserted within the female portion, the latches are permitted to unflex within the female portion such that the latches flex back in an opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly includes a male component with a body portion from which a first latch extends in a first direction and a female component, including a frame member having a first lateral side spaced apart from a second lateral side with a gap positioned therebetween. A first aperture extends through the frame member with the first lateral side extending about and defining a first opening of the first aperture, and the second lateral side extending about and defining a second opening of the first aperture, and with the gap in communication with the first aperture. Inserting of the first latch through the gap and into and extending across at least a portion of the first aperture, access is provided, through one of the first opening or the second opening, to a side, positioned within the first aperture for receiving a force for first latch in a second direction.