Buckle Housing Protuberance Retention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional buckle assemblies are difficult to secure to components due to counterintuitive sliding mechanisms, obtrusive edges, and labor-intensive manufacturing processes, which affect their usability and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A buckle assembly featuring a buckle housing with connecting protuberances and a securing member, where the protuberances are configured to slidably engage and snapably secure, providing a compressive sandwich effect on the component for enhanced retention, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plate is slid in multiple directions to secure the buckle assembly to a component, then the buckle assembly can be secured to the component, but the mounting process becomes difficult and counterintuitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidmounting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism is divided into two distinct functional parts: a sliding engagement portion for initial attachment and a snap-fit retention portion for secure locking. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying the overall mounting process to a straightforward two-step sequence rather than complex multi-directional sliding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the plate to slide in multiple directions to achieve securing, the invention inverts the approach by using a protrusion that slides in one direction to engage with a recess, followed by a snap-fit action that secures the connection. This reversal of the conventional sliding mechanism eliminates the counterintuitive multi-directional movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a plate with obtrusive edges is used to secure the buckle assembly, then the buckle can be attached to a component, but the edges are susceptible to catching on material and reduce aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidedge catching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plate features rounded edges and curved contours instead of sharp, obtrusive edges. This curvature eliminates the catching problem by allowing the plate to glide smoothly over fabric and other materials, while also significantly improving aesthetic appeal through a more refined, polished appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a ratchet-type securing structure is used, then the buckle assembly can be secured to a component, but the mounting process becomes difficult and aesthetically undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring strengthVSAvoidmounting simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complex ratchet mechanism is completely removed and replaced with a simple snap-fit retention system. The retention is achieved through a protrusion that engages with a recess and locks into place with a snapping motion, eliminating the need for elaborate ratchet teeth and springs while maintaining strong securing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing mechanism transitions from a mechanical ratchet system with multiple moving parts to an elastic snap-fit system that utilizes material deformation and recovery. This parameter change in the securing mechanism simplifies the mounting process to a single snapping action while maintaining reliable retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If plates and counterpart structures are integrally formed and molded as a single piece, then manufacturing is simplified, but the buckle assembly can only be used with components of a particular defined size and shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcomponent compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plate and counterpart structure are designed as separate components with standardized engagement features that can accommodate various component sizes and shapes. The protrusion and recess geometry is designed to be universally compatible with different belt widths and component configurations, allowing the same buckle assembly to work with multiple component types while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10123590B2System and assembly for securing a buckle housing to a component

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A buckle assembly is configured to securely attach to a component and may include a buckle housing and a securing member. The buckle housing may include a first connecting protuberance or first protuberance-retaining structure, and a second connecting protuberance or the second protuberance-retaining structure. The securing member may include the other of the first connecting protuberance or the first protuberance-retaining structure, and the other of the second connecting protuberance or the second protuberance-retaining structure. The first protuberance-retaining structure is configured to slidably receive the first connecting protuberance in a sliding direction. The second protuberance-retaining structure is configured to securely retain the second connecting protuberance so that the buckle housing is secured with respect to the securing member.