Buckle Assembly Ogived Latch Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional buckle assemblies used in military applications are prone to damage from impact, have loose connections due to misalignment, and are susceptible to snagging and slippage, with debris accumulation hindering secure mating and potentially causing damage during operation.
Innovation Solution
A buckle assembly design featuring a frame with a latch chamber, a lever pivotally secured within, and a latch with an ogived leading end for self-alignment, smooth edges to prevent snagging, and a rotation-limiting member to prevent over-rotation, along with a debris-clearing opening and waved web channels to enhance stability and secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the latch has straight edges for simple manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the latch is susceptible to snagging and difficult to align with the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed with a curved leading edge instead of straight edges. This curvature allows the latch to self-align with the frame during insertion, guiding it into the correct position automatically. The curved geometry also prevents snagging on fabric or webbing while maintaining manufacturability through standard forming processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the opening diameter is larger than the lever portion for easy assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection becomes loose producing rattling and shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the latch is designed with non-uniform geometry - larger in some areas to facilitate assembly and smaller in critical areas to provide a snug fit for the lever portion. This localized variation in dimensions allows the opening to serve dual purposes: easy assembly during manufacturing while maintaining a tight, stable connection that prevents rattling and shaking during operation.
3Ease of operation
If the lever can rotate freely for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the spring member may be damaged from over-rotation or sudden impact
Solution Approach 1:
A rotation-limiting feature is incorporated into the lever mechanism that prevents the lever from rotating beyond a safe angle. This preliminary protective measure stops the lever before it can over-rotate and damage the spring member, while still allowing sufficient rotation range for easy operation and engagement/disengagement of the latch.
4Device complexity
If debris accumulates in the frame for simple structure, then device complexity is reduced, but proper mating between latch and frame is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
A debris ejection feature is integrated into the frame structure that actively removes debris from the latch chamber during the latching operation. This extraction mechanism prevents debris accumulation that would hinder proper mating, while adding minimal complexity to the overall frame design. The feature may include ejection ports or mechanical elements that clear debris automatically when the latch is engaged.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly (10) includes a frame (12) having a base (66) connected to opposed side walls (68). The frame (12) has a latch chamber (70) between the base (66) and the opposed side walls (68). The buckle assembly (10) also includes a lever (14) pivotally secured with in the latch chamber (70) between the opposed side walls (68), and a latch (16) configured to be secured in the latch chamber (70) by the lever (14). The latch (16) may include a frame-engaging member (30) having an ogived leading end (36). The ogived leading end (36) is configured to self-align the latch (16) within the latch chamber (70) when the latch (16) is mated into the latch chamber (70).