Buckle Assembly Tactile Feedback for Blind Strap Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in properly connecting and disconnecting straps of personal protective devices, such as respiratory protection devices, due to the need for blind manipulation behind the head or neck, which can lead to misalignment, skin irritation, and difficulty in releasing the connection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A buckle assembly with a receiver member and a latch member that can be easily engaged and disengaged by a user, featuring a release arm and latch tab configuration that allows for tactile feedback and easy operation without visual confirmation, promoting a smooth connection and disconnection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical fastener with male and female members is used to connect straps, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to blind manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle assembly allows the user's hands to remain in continuous contact with the components throughout the connection process. The receiver member and latch member are designed with ergonomic features that enable the user to self-align and connect the straps without visual confirmation, making the system serve itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver member includes a platform with a top surface that contacts the latch member base during insertion. This preliminary contact surface guides the latch member into proper alignment before the final engagement, preparing the connection in advance to ensure correct positioning without visual feedback.
2Reliability
If a robust mechanical connection is provided to firmly secure the device, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in disconnecting
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static robust connection to a dynamic release mechanism. The release arm can be actuated to pivot and apply force to the latch tab, dynamically changing the connection state from locked to released, allowing easy disconnection while maintaining secure connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The release arm acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the latch tab. Instead of directly manipulating the latch tab, the user actuates the release arm which then applies the necessary force to disengage the latch face from the capture surface, simplifying the disconnection process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic strap material is used to provide adjustability, then the adaptability is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful elastic material is extracted from the portion of the strap that contacts the user's neck and head. Instead, smooth plastic surfaces of the receiver and latch members are used at the contact points, eliminating the skin irritation caused by elastic material while retaining the adjustability function through the buckle mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the strap system have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The elastic material is used only where adjustability is needed, while smooth non-irritating plastic surfaces are used where skin contact occurs, creating local quality variations that address both adaptability and comfort requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the user manipulates straps behind the head without visual confirmation, then the device can be worn comfortably, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to confirm alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The design provides tactile feedback to the user during the connection process. The platform top surface contacts the latch member base to provide alignment feedback, and the continuous hand contact with components provides positional feedback, allowing the user to confirm proper alignment through touch rather than sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform and top surface arrangement performs preliminary alignment of the latch member with the receiver member before final engagement. This preliminary action ensures correct positioning is achieved automatically, compensating for the lack of visual confirmation during the connection process.
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 facilitates simple and quick connection and disconnection of straps behind the neck, reducing skin irritation and improving user experience by providing tactile confirmation and maintaining user contact with the components throughout the process.
Implementation Method 1
The release arm is pivotally connected to the receiver member at a pivot end and has a free end spaced from the capture surface. In use, the free end of the release arm can be actuated to disengage the latch tab from the receiver member.
Implementation Method 2
The release arm is pivotally connected to the receiver member at a pivot end and has a free end spaced from the capture surface. In use, the free end of the release arm can be actuated to disengage the latch tab from the receiver member.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly for selectively connecting first and second straps of a personal protective device. The buckle assembly includes a receiver member and a latch member configured for coupling to a respective one of the straps. The receiver member defines a slot and provides a release arm. The latch member includes a latch tab pivotally connected to a base. In a latched state in which the latch member is disposed within the slot and a latch face is engaged with a capture surface. The release arm disposed over a portion of the latch tab. The latch face can be disengaged from the capture surface in response to an actuation force applied to the release arm. In some embodiments, the receiver member and the latch member incorporate various, complimentary guide surfaces that promote easy insertion of the latch member into the receiver member.