Quick Release Buckle Assembly with Cable Actuated Sliding Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-release buckle systems for cut-away vests are difficult to reassemble after use, compromising their reusability and are prone to breaking under heavy loads, making them unsuitable for repeated use in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A quick-release buckle assembly featuring a male and female portion with a sliding release assembly connected to a cable, allowing the male portion to be easily released from the female by pulling the cable, which pinches the locking legs inward to clear the locking slots, enabling easy disassembly and reassembly without compromising structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a cable system is directly attached to the locking legs to enable quick release, then the release speed is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates because the locking legs must be made flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease speedVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the release mechanism into separate components: the locking legs remain rigid and structurally strong, while a separate release assembly (including cam members and levers) handles the release action. This segmentation allows the locking legs to maintain structural integrity without being made flexible, while the release assembly provides the necessary movement for quick release when the cable is pulled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a traditional cable system is used for quick release, then the release function is improved, but the reusability deteriorates because the vest is difficult to reassemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease easeVSAvoidreassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs dynamic release assemblies with movable cam members and levers that can be actuated by the cable to release the locking legs. These components are designed to return to their original positions automatically or through simple manual manipulation, allowing the buckle to be reset and reused multiple times without permanent deformation or damage, thus improving reusability compared to traditional cable systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2316295B1Quick Release Buckle Assembly
Publication Date: 2013.08.14 NATIONAL MOLDING DURAFLEX LLC
  • EP2316295B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2316295B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2316295B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A quick release buckle assembly has a male portion (10) and a female portion (30). The male portion is inserted into the female portion to lock the buckle assembly together. The male buckle portion is connected to a cable (35). Pulling the cable with sufficient force causes the male portion to release from the female portion. Several buckle assemblies can be simultaneously released if the cables are connected to a single handle. Pulling on the handle then releases all of the male portions at once.