Buckle Plug Leg Portion Deformation Restriction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing buckle plugs face issues with complex structures, high component count, and poor operability due to deformation restrictions, which can lead to inadequate protection of leg portions and increased risk of damage from external forces.

Innovation Solution

A plug design featuring leg portions with extending ends and second restricting portions that prevent deformation by sandwiching the first restricting portion, allowing for effective protection and improved operability through a lightweight, simplified structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If deformation restricting portions are added to protect leg portions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of leg portionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the deformation restricting function directly into the coupling piece structure by forming restricting portions as integral features of the coupling piece itself, rather than adding separate components. This merging approach provides leg portion protection while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from additional independent parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling piece serves multiple functions simultaneously: it couples the leg portions together, provides deformation restriction through integrated restricting portions, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection components, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and complexity reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If more restricting portions are added to prevent deformation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external forcesVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restricting portions are strategically positioned only at specific locations where deformation is most likely to occur, rather than creating a completely rigid structure throughout. This localized restriction allows the leg portions to flex freely during normal operation while providing protection only where needed, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a central guide portion is added to restrict deformation, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating a single complex central guide portion, the patent segments the deformation restriction function into multiple simpler restricting portions distributed at different locations within the coupling piece. Each restricting portion is a simple structural feature that is easy to manufacture, while collectively they provide comprehensive deformation control, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 plug effectively prevents deformation and damage to leg portions under external forces while maintaining good operability, ensuring reliable engagement with the socket and easy disengagement with minimal effort.

Implementation Method 1

The leg portions are elastically swingable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11559113B2Plug for buckle, and buckle
Publication Date: 2023.01.24 YKK CORP
  • US11559113B2 patent drawing
  • US11559113B2 patent drawing
  • US11559113B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A plug for a buckle includes an attachment portion configured to be attached to the predetermined members; a pair of leg portions protruding in the same direction away from the attachment portion; extending portions extending in a direction from tip end portions of the pair of leg portions toward base end portions of the leg portions; a coupling piece coupling the base end portions of the pair of leg portions; a first restricting portion that is located at an intermediate portion of the coupling piece and faces extending ends of the extending portions; and second restricting portions that protrude from two sides in a longitudinal direction of the coupling piece in a manner of sandwiching the first restricting portion, extend in a protruding direction of the leg portions, and face inner side surfaces of the leg portions.