Side-Release Buckle Metal Spring Anti-Cold Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-release ratchet buckle assemblies are prone to cold-flowing due to plastic springs, operate inefficiently with wasted motion, and are susceptible to inadvertent disengagement, making them uncomfortable and unreliable for secure fitting in applications like helmets.
Innovation Solution
A side-release buckle assembly featuring a metal coil spring and a ratchet strap with sawtooth tracks, where the button's movement is directly transferred to the spring, ensuring equal and opposite forces, and the ratchet strap is secured by latches and teeth, preventing accidental disengagement and cold-flowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic spring is used in the side-release ratchet buckle assembly, then the device is efficient to manufacture, but the spring is susceptible to cold-flowing and warping under pressure and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring from plastic to metal, specifically using a steel coil spring. This material substitution eliminates the cold-flowing issue inherent to plastic springs while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standard metal forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines metal spring material with the existing plastic buckle housing and button components. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials: the metal spring provides reliable elastic memory and resistance to cold-flowing, while the plastic components maintain ease of injection molding and assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring force direction is angled within the buckle housing, then the button can be integrally formed, but motion from the button is not directly transferred to the spring causing wasted movement and energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the button laterally on the housing rather than integrating it at an angle. The button is now disposed at a location on the housing that allows for direct linear motion transfer to the coil spring, eliminating the angled force transmission path and associated energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a button cavity and button post structure as an intermediary mechanism. The button post directly engages with the coil spring axis, creating a direct transmission path that mediates between the user's linear pressing motion and the spring's compression, eliminating the need for angled force transformation.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement button is exposed on the top side of the assembly, then it is accessible, but the button is susceptible to inadvertent engagement by the user or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional button placement from a top-release configuration to a side-release configuration. The button is now disposed on the lateral side of the housing rather than on top, making it less accessible to accidental contact while remaining easily operable by deliberate user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized button cavity with specific geometric features including a button post and spring engagement structure. This localized design concentrates the release function in a specific region of the housing, allowing the button to be both accessible for intentional operation and protected from accidental engagement through its recessed position.
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 provides a smooth, efficient, and secure operation with reduced energy wastage, enhanced durability due to the metal spring's resistance to cold-flowing, and a natural engagement mechanism that minimizes accidental releases.
Implementation Method 1
a metal coil spring biased between an interior wall of the main housing and the button, wherein movement of the button is directly transferred to the spring
Implementation Method 2
The spring exerts equal and opposite forces into the button and the main housing
Implementation Method 3
a ratchet strap with sawtooth tracks, where the button's movement is directly transferred to the spring, ensuring equal and opposite forces, and the ratchet strap is secured by latches and teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A side-release buckle assembly includes a main housing, a button positioned through a side of the main housing, a metal coil spring biased between an interior wall of the main housing and the button, and a mating member. Movement of the button is directly transferred to the spring, and vice versa. The ratchet strap is moveable through the main housing in a first direction, and when the button is pressed, the ratchet strap is moveable through the buckle housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction.