Buckle Assembly with Securing Loop to Prevent Accidental Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side release buckles used in safety harnesses and closures are prone to accidental disengagement, posing a risk of catastrophic failure if not properly engaged, highlighting a need for a disengagement prevention mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A buckle assembly with a disengagement prevention device, featuring a securing loop that engages with both buckle members to maintain them in a coupled state even if not properly engaged or accidentally released, utilizing a strap holding structure and locking mechanisms to prevent full disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side release buckles are used for easy engagement and release, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a disengagement prevention device that proactively counteracts accidental release before it can occur. The securing loop and clamping mechanism are pre-configured to prevent the male buckle member from fully disengaging, thus neutralizing the harmful effect of accidental release before it compromises safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the male and female buckle members for primary engagement, and the separate disengagement prevention device with securing loop and clamping structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated safety system.
2Reliability
If a disengagement prevention device is added to prevent accidental release, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disengagement prevention device is merged with the existing buckle assembly components. The securing loop integrates with the male buckle member, and the clamping mechanism works in conjunction with the female buckle member's geometry. This merging approach allows the safety function to be added without requiring entirely separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The disengagement prevention device operates largely autonomously once engaged. The securing loop automatically positions itself, and the clamping mechanism self-activates when the buckle members are engaged, requiring no additional user action or external control systems to maintain the safety function.
3Reliability
If the securing loop clamps between the strap segment and buckle member to prevent disengagement, then reliability is improved, but the force required for engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism applies only the necessary amount of force to prevent disengagement without fully restricting the engagement motion. The securing loop allows the buckle members to engage and disengage partially for normal operation, but prevents complete separation, applying just enough clamping force to maintain safety while permitting functional movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly with a disengagement prevention device and a method for using the same is disclosed. The buckle assembly has a first buckle member having a first strap holding structure configured to adjustably affix the first buckle member to a first strap segment. A second buckle member is configured to couple with the first buckle member, the second buckle member having a second strap holding structure configured to affix the second buckle member to a second strap segment. A disengagement prevention device is configured for engagement with the first and second buckle members to maintain the first and second buckle members in a coupled state under conditions where the first and second buckle members are not properly engaged or the engagement between the first and second buckle members is accidentally released.