Carabiner Gate and Body Geometry for Small Object Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carabiners are not optimized for securing small objects like keys, leading to easy loss due to their large openings and lack of secure attachment mechanisms, and often require additional locking mechanisms that are cumbersome to use.
Innovation Solution
A carabiner design with a smaller, strategically positioned gate opening, angled edges, a gate rest notch, and a gate rest extension that inherently secures keys without the need for additional locking, enhancing security by reducing the path for objects to fall off and improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the opening size is made large to accommodate a wide range of objects, then the carabiner can attach to more objects, but the security for small objects like keys deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carabiner body has different cross-sectional dimensions at different locations. The opening region has larger dimensions to accommodate various objects, while the region below the opening has smaller cross-sectional dimensions to securely hold small objects like keys. This local variation in geometry allows the carabiner to both accept a wide range of objects and securely retain small items without requiring additional locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are added to improve security, then the security for small objects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carabiner's geometry itself provides the security function. The reduced cross-sectional dimensions below the opening create a physical constraint that prevents small objects from falling off, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The structure serves its own security function through its inherent design rather than requiring additional components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the opening is positioned near the gate end to maximize opening size, then the carabiner can accept more objects, but the security path for small objects is lengthened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of only adjusting the opening position along the carabiner's length, the solution introduces a cross-sectional dimension variation. The carabiner body has reduced cross-sectional dimensions at specific locations below the opening, creating a dimensional constraint that shortens the effective security path for small objects while maintaining the opening's position for maximum versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a carabiner that includes a carabiner body forming an opening having a width, the carabiner body including a gate rest notch, a gate rest and a long side, with the opening opposite the long side. The carabiner further includes a pivotable gate coupled to the carabiner body at a pivotable point and adapted to contact the gate rest notch when in a closed position. The opening includes a first side and a second side, the first side including a first angle that is non-perpendicular to the long side of the carabiner body and the second side including a second angle that is non-perpendicular to the long side of the carabiner body.