Accessory Fastening Device With Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for securing accessories to clothing lack ease of use and security, often requiring complex mechanisms or providing inadequate attachment.
Innovation Solution
A bistable accessory fastening device with rotatable locking arms and clamping members that transition between unlocked and locked states, utilizing a cam mechanism to securely hold accessories between clamping surfaces with teeth, allowing easy insertion and secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to improve security of attachment, then reliability of accessory retention is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamping member with teeth for gripping the accessory, a locking arm with cam portion for securing the clamping member, and a biasing element for providing restoring force. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex securing mechanism to be broken down into manageable, independent components that work together to achieve reliable attachment without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed to be rotatable between locked and unlocked positions, transforming a static fastening mechanism into a dynamic one. The cam portion of the locking arm interacts with the clamping member during rotation to progressively secure the accessory. This dynamic operation allows a single rotational motion to achieve multiple securing functions, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to improve security of attachment, then reliability of accessory retention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element is pre-loaded to exert a restoring force on the locking arm, automatically returning it to the unlocked position when the cam portion is released. This preliminary action eliminates the need for additional release mechanisms or manual manipulation to open the fastener. The user simply needs to apply a small force to overcome the cam lock, and the pre-loaded spring automatically completes the opening action, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure closure during normal use
3Ease of operation
If simple mechanisms are used to improve ease of operation, then ease of accessory insertion is improved, but reliability of accessory retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism combines multiple functional elements into a composite structure: the clamping member with interlocking teeth provides mechanical grip, the locking arm with cam portion provides secure locking action, and the biasing element provides continuous restoring force. This composite design integrates simplicity of operation with reliability of retention, as each material and component is optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system
4Reliability
If clamping members with teeth are used to improve grip on accessories, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a continuous clamping surface or smooth gripper, the clamping member employs discrete teeth that interlock with corresponding features on the accessory or locking arm. This inverted approach of using positive mechanical interlocking features rather than continuous contact surfaces provides superior grip reliability with simpler geometry. The teeth concentrate the clamping force at specific points, increasing grip strength without requiring complex distributed force mechanisms
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 device provides enhanced ease of use by allowing effortless accessory insertion and secure retention, ensuring accessories are held tightly until deliberate release, with a simple and robust mechanism that balances ease of operation with secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element, such as a spring, that is configured to bias the locking arm toward the unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
The locking arm can include a cam mechanism that can facilitate movement of the upper clamping member
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory fastening device can include a first clamping member having a first clamping surface, a second clamping member having a second clamping surface that faces the first clamping surface, and a locking arm that is rotatable between an unlocked state and a locked state. Rotation of the locking arm to transition the locking arm from the unlocked state to the locked state causes the second clamping surface of the second clamping member to advance toward the first clamping surface of the first clamping member.