Buckle With Dual Locking Bars For Tensile Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buckles used in various applications require a balance between ease of operation and high operational reliability, particularly in environments where they must withstand tensile loads without accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a counter locking bar on the second buckle part, which, when combined with the locking bar, provides a secure connection capable of absorbing high tensile forces and requires simultaneous actuation to separate, enhancing operational reliability by ensuring both bars are moved into unlocking positions for disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single locking bar is used to connect buckle parts, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and ability to withstand tensile loads deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a locking bar on the first buckle part and a counter locking bar on the second buckle part. Each bar functions independently to provide locking, allowing the system to maintain high reliability through dual locking while preserving operational simplicity. The segmentation enables each component to be actuated separately, ensuring that both must be released for the buckle to open, thereby preventing accidental opening.
2Device complexity
If a single locking bar is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ability to absorb high tensile forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is divided between two separate bars, with each bar contributing to the overall tensile load capacity. The locking bar engages with a locking face on the second buckle part, while the counter locking bar provides additional engagement points. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed across multiple engagement points, significantly increasing the buckle's ability to withstand tensile forces without requiring a complex multi-component system.
3Ease of manufacture
If only one locking bar is provided, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability against accidental opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two independent manufacturing streams, with each buckle part being manufactured separately with its own locking bar. This allows for simplified individual manufacturing while achieving high reliability through assembly. The locking bar and counter locking bar are manufactured independently and then assembled together, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing dual locking protection against accidental opening.
4Reliability
If a counter locking bar is added to provide dual locking, then the reliability and tensile load capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar and counter locking bar are merged into a unified locking system where both components work together to provide the locking function. Rather than treating them as separate, complex mechanisms, they are integrated into a single operational system where the interaction between the locking bar and counter locking bar creates a cohesive dual-locking mechanism. This merging approach maintains operational simplicity while achieving high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle (1) having a first buckle part (2) and having at least one second buckle part (3), said first buckle part (2) having at least one locking bar (4) that can be moved back and forth between a locking position of the locking bar (4) and an unlocking position of the locking bar (4). The locking bar (4) engages behind a locking surface (5) of the second buckle part (3) in the locking position in order to lock the two buckle parts (2, 3) with each other in a connected position of the buckle parts (2, 3), and the locking bar (4) can be moved into the unlocking position in order to separate the buckle parts (2, 3), the second buckle part (3) having at least one counter locking bar (6) that can be moved back and forth between a locking position of the counter locking bar (6) and an unlocking position of the counter locking bar (6).