C-Shaped Buckle Release Assist Device for Arthritis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with arthritis or other hand ailments face difficulty in depressing the actuator button of occupant restraint systems, requiring significant thumb or finger strength, which can lead to pain and safety risks, especially when trying to release child restraint seat buckles.
Innovation Solution
A buckle release assistive device with a C-shaped or U-shaped body and lever arm design that allows for easy compression of the buckle release button using minimal finger strength, enabling the user to apply force from the side of the occupant, reducing the need for direct finger pressure and alleviating hand pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuator button is designed with a standard size and flush surface, then the buckle mechanism is compact and simple, but it requires significant thumb or finger strength (40 N minimum) to depress the button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool with a lever arm that mediates between the user's finger and the actuator button. The lever arm pivots on the buckle casing and applies amplified force to the button, allowing users with limited hand strength to operate the buckle release mechanism effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension by introducing a lever arm that extends outward from the buckle assembly. This lever arm allows force to be applied from a distance and at a different location than the button itself, transforming the direct pressing action into a leveraged rotational motion that amplifies the applied force.
2Shape
If the actuator button surface is flush with the casing, then the buckle has a compact design, but it requires direct finger pressure that causes pain for individuals with arthritis
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm serves as a mediator that transfers the user's input force to the actuator button without requiring direct contact between the user's finger and the button surface. This eliminates the painful direct pressure while still achieving the necessary button depression through the leveraged force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the force application process into two distinct stages: (1) the user applies force to the lever arm handle, and (2) the lever arm mechanism translates and amplifies this force to depress the button. This segmentation allows the user to apply force at a comfortable location away from the button, avoiding direct contact and associated pain.
3Volume of moving object
If a smaller version of the buckle is used in child restraint seats, then the device is more compact and suitable for car seats, but the required release force remains high (40 N minimum per FMVSS)
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm extends in a direction perpendicular to the button pressing direction, allowing force to be applied from a lateral position. This dimensional change enables users to apply force through a longer moment arm, significantly amplifying the effective force applied to the small button of compact child restraint buckles.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm acts as a force-amplifying intermediary between the user and the small actuator button in child restraint buckles. This allows caregivers with limited hand strength to overcome the 40 N minimum release force requirement without directly pressing the small button, making child restraint operation accessible to older adults and those with hand ailments.
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
Facilitates quick and pain-free release of the buckle, making it easier and safer for individuals with limited hand function to use occupant restraint systems, including child car seat restraint systems, by distributing the force across the hand and reducing the required strength for buckle release.
Implementation Method 1
A buckle release assistive device with a C-shaped or U-shaped body and lever arm design that allows for easy compression of the buckle release button using minimal finger strength
Implementation Method 2
distributing the force across the hand and reducing the required strength for buckle release
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for assisted buckle release employing a generally C-shaped or U-shaped assistive device adapted to depress a buckle's release button, such as a button typical of a child car seat restraint harness, and thereby assist in unlocking the buckle.