Quick Release Buckle with Integrated Volatile Substance Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick release buckles for belts and harnesses lack integration of diffusion elements for volatile substances, causing obstruction and inefficient evaporation due to separation from the body and lack of integration with the user's environment.

Innovation Solution

A quick release buckle design that houses a vapor-permeable container for diffusing substances, accessible only in the open position, ensuring safe storage and visibility, with orifices for evaporation, and compatibility with existing buckles, enhancing mobility and integration with the user's environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the diffusion element is assembled on a belt or collar, then the diffusion function is achieved, but the belt becomes an obstacle for diffusing the substance and the diffusion element is not integrated in the belt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion functionVSAvoidsubstance diffusion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the diffusion element with the buckle structure by integrating it into the housing. The diffusion element is positioned within the buckle housing and is accessible only through the opening, which is covered when the buckle is closed. This integration eliminates the need for separate belts or collars, allowing the substance to diffuse efficiently toward the user's body without the belt acting as an obstacle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the evaporator device is separated a certain distance from the body of the user, then the device structure is simplified, but body heat cannot be used to favor evaporation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidevaporation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the diffusion element inside the buckle housing, which is worn directly on the user's body. The housing contains the diffusion element and positions it close to the body through the opening. This nested structure allows body heat to naturally warm the diffusion element and promote evaporation, while maintaining a simple overall device structure that integrates with existing buckle designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the diffusion element is accessible in the closed position of the buckle, then the user can access the substance, but accidental access and safety issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstance accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the accessibility of the diffusion element dependent on the buckle's state. The opening in the housing allows access to the diffusion element only when the buckle is in the open position. When the buckle is closed, the opening is covered and the diffusion element becomes inaccessible. This dynamic access control ensures safety by preventing accidental contact while allowing intentional access when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a safe, integrated, and efficient method for diffusing insecticides or air-fresheners, preventing accidental access and ensuring continuous substance release without obstructing the buckle's operation, addressing the mobility and integration issues of previous designs.

Implementation Method 1

a vapor-permeable membrane (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

diffusing an insecticide and/or air-freshener substance in the atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2162031B1Quick release buckle with volatile substance diffusion means
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 ZOBELE ESPANA
  • EP2162031B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2162031B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2162031B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a quick release buckle (1,2) of those commonly used for temporarily attaching two belt or band (4) sections, for example of a backpack, sports bag, waist packs, harnesses or leashes for dogs, etc. The object of the invention is to provide said buckle with an additional function such that it can be used for diffusing an insecticide and/or air-freshener substance in the atmosphere, for which a buckle component integrates a diffusion element for diffusing a volatile substance.