Quick-release cam buckle with pre-threaded plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam strap buckles are difficult to use due to fraying or ice accumulation, requiring users to thread the strap through a narrow slot, and unfastening involves pulling the entire strap through the release lever, which is time-consuming, especially with longer straps.
Innovation Solution
A two-part quick-release buckle design featuring a separate plate that is pre-threaded with the strap, allowing it to snap into place on the buckle for securement, with the strap length adjusted through the release lever without needing to remove it, and the plate can be easily decoupled by applying pressure on the release lever.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strap is threaded through the narrow slot of the buckle, then the buckle can be secured, but it becomes difficult to use when the strap tip is frayed or worn
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the buckle into two separate parts: a main buckle body and a removable plate. The plate with slots is pre-threaded with the strap, separating the threading function from the main buckle body. This allows the strap to be threaded through the plate's slots rather than the narrow slot in the buckle, solving the problem of frayed strap tips.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is pre-threaded with the strap before use, performing the threading action in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need to thread the strap through the narrow buckle slot during operation, making the buckle easier to use even with frayed or worn strap ends.
2Reliability
If the entire length of webbing is pulled through the release lever to remove the strap, then the strap can be unfastened, but it takes significant time for longer straps
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the plate (with pre-threaded strap) from the main buckle body, the invention allows the plate to be quickly removed by applying pressure to the release lever. This creates slack that enables the plate to be directed through the slot and de-coupled, eliminating the need to pull the entire strap length through the release lever.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pulling the strap through the release lever to unfasten (conventional method), the invention inverts the process by applying pressure to the release lever to create slack, then directing the plate through the slot for quick removal. This reverses the traditional unfastening sequence and dramatically reduces time.
3Reliability
If the plate is designed to remain engaged under tension, then the buckle maintains security, but the plate must be firmly attached to the buckle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic engagement system where the plate's attachment state changes based on applied force. Under normal tension, the plate remains firmly engaged through the channels and angled wall geometry. When pressure is applied to the release lever, the system transitions to a disengaged state, allowing easy removal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between secure engagement and easy removal.
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
This design prevents fraying issues and speeds up the unsecuring process by eliminating the need to thread the strap through the buckle, ensuring faster operation and maintaining the plate's engagement even with strap tension.
Implementation Method 1
a release lever that rotates about a shaft
Implementation Method 2
exerts sufficient pressure on the release lever to create a bit of slack in the strap
Implementation Method 3
The strap is 'pre-threaded' through and secured to the plate, which snaps into place onto the buckle
Implementation Method 4
the two channels together are configured to receive the width of the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release buckle with a main body, a plate, and a strap. The main body has a frame and a release lever that rotates about a shaft. The plate has two parallel and longitudinal slots, and the strap passes through the slots in the plate. The frame has two parts that are separated by an angled wall that extends laterally across the frame width. The shaft is secured to the first part of the frame. The second part of the frame is configured to form a seat for receiving the plate. The second part of the frame has two side walls and a channel on an inside surface of each side wall adjacent to the angled wall. Each channel is parallel to the angled wall and at least as wide as the thickness of the plate. The two channels together are configured to receive the width of the plate.