Buckle Plate Spring Catch Mechanism for Slim Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buckles are complex in structure, costly to produce, and uncomfortable due to their thickness, with a large number of parts that complicate assembly and make them unattractive aesthetically.
Innovation Solution
A buckle design featuring a buckle body with an insertion hole and exit hole, a plate spring with a sloping leading part to catch the band, and a buckle switch with a pivot pressure piece that controls the band's sliding by distributing force effectively, reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional buckle structure with multiple components (buckle body, stopper housing, stopper, operation handle, spring) is used, then the fastening function is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stopper housing, stopper, and spring into a single integrated stopper assembly. The stopper assembly includes a housing that contains the spring and the stopper element, reducing the total component count while maintaining the ratchet mechanism's fastening function. This consolidation directly addresses the contradiction by reducing parts without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation handle serves multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for releasing the buckle, provides structural support for the stopper assembly, and integrates with the ratchet mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fastening reliability.
2Reliability
If the stopper housing is made thick to accommodate the stopper and spring, then the fastening mechanism is reliable, but the overall buckle thickness increases and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring and stopper elements are nested within a compact housing structure. The housing is designed to contain these components in a space-efficient manner, with the spring positioned within the housing cavity and the stopper element extending only as needed. This nesting approach maintains mechanical reliability while minimizing the external dimensions and thickness of the buckle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement of components by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The stopper assembly is configured to extend primarily in the width direction rather than increasing thickness, allowing the buckle to maintain a slim profile while accommodating all necessary fastening components through clever dimensional planning.
3Reliability
If multiple components are assembled together to form the buckle, then the fastening function is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper housing, stopper, and spring are combined into a pre-assembled stopper assembly that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module. This reduces the number of separate assembly steps required during final buckle production, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the reliable fastening function provided by the ratchet mechanism.
4Reliability
If the buckle is made thick to accommodate all components, then the fastening mechanism is reliable, but user comfort deteriorates when the wearer lies down
Solution Approach 1:
The compact nesting of the spring and stopper within the housing minimizes the buckle's overall thickness, reducing the bulk that would cause discomfort when the wearer lies down. This nested configuration maintains the reliable fastening mechanism while eliminating the harmful effect of excessive thickness on user comfort.
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 is easier to assemble, reduces production costs, provides a firm and reliable fastening mechanism, and is more aesthetically pleasing due to its slim design, ensuring user comfort and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a plate spring (200) arranged in the buckle body (100) with the leading part positioned in the sliding path of the band (4)
Implementation Method 2
a buckle switch (300) having a pivot pressure piece (310) with hinge projections (312, 314) at both ends inserted in the hinge holes (123) so as to be hinged to the buckle body (100)
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle for tightening or loosening a band, including: a buckle body having a pair of hinge holes; a plate spring arranged in the buckle body with a leading part positioned in a sliding path of the band, the leading part being shaped to slope with a leading end contacting a back side of the band so as to be caught by a catch projection of the band; and a buckle switch having a pivot pressure piece with hinge projections, and an operation lever connected to a pivot pressure piece so as to be exposed to one side of the buckle body. The leading end of the plate spring is separated from the band so as to make the band slide in a loosening direction when the plate spring is pressed by the pivot pressure piece.