Buckle Assembly with Remote Cable Release for Tactical Vest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckle systems require multiple actions or locations to release multiple male buckle portions simultaneously, which is inconvenient for applications like tactical vests where quick release is needed while maintaining security and low profile.
Innovation Solution
A female buckle portion with an actuating device accessible through an aperture, featuring latching mechanisms and sliding surfaces that allow simultaneous release of multiple male buckle portions with a single movement, secured by springs to prevent inadvertent release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard two-piece buckle system is used with multiple male portions, then the system provides secure engagement, but the release mechanism requires multiple actions or locations to release all male portions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latching mechanisms into a single integrated actuating device that controls all male buckle portions simultaneously. By merging the release function into one centralized actuator with multiple latching arms, the system allows all buckles to be released with a single action, eliminating the need for multiple release locations or sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device serves multiple functions: it simultaneously latches and releases all male buckle portions through a single mechanism. The universal design of the actuating device allows it to interact with multiple male portions through different openings, providing a single-point control for the entire buckle system.
2Ease of operation
If the release mechanism is placed in a more accessible area away from the back, then the wearer can easily access it, but the system profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the release handle from the housing and connects it via a cable, allowing the handle to be positioned in a remote, accessible location while the actuating device remains compact within the housing. This separation enables the wearer to access the release mechanism from convenient locations without increasing the bulk of the main buckle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary between the remote handle and the actuating device inside the housing. This intermediary component transmits the release force over a distance, allowing the handle to be positioned away from the main body while maintaining a low profile at the buckle location.
3Speed
If the actuating device is highly sensitive for quick release, then release speed is improved, but the risk of inadvertent release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is pre-loaded by springs into a position where the latching arms are engaged with the male buckle portions. This preliminary action requires a deliberate pull on the handle to overcome the spring force and release the latches, preventing accidental release while maintaining the capability for rapid intentional release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism creates a preliminary counter-force that opposes unintended release. The latching arms are held in an engaged state by spring pressure, requiring a deliberate action to overcome this pre-applied counter-force, thus preventing accidental release while allowing quick release when intentionally activated.
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
Enables secure and efficient simultaneous release of multiple male buckle portions from a remote location, suitable for tactical vests, ensuring quick disassembly without accidental release during movement.
Implementation Method 1
there can be at least one spring disposed within the housing and which presses the actuating device away from the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly has a female buckle portion formed by a housing with a hollow interior and at least two openings, and at least two male buckle portions, each having at least one locking leg. There is an actuating device disposed within the housing and accessible through an aperture in the housing. The actuating device has latching mechanisms for cooperating with the locking legs for locking the male buckle portions within the female buckle portion when the locking legs of the male portions are inserted through the openings of the housing. Pulling the actuating device toward the aperture moves the latching mechanisms away from the male buckle portions and releases the male buckle portions from the housing.