Angled Gate Carabiner Geometry for Secure Key Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carabiners lack secure key retention and usability, often causing keys to accidentally fall off due to their design, especially when subjected to normal use and random movements.
Innovation Solution
The carabiner design features angled gates with extended gate rest extensions, positioned at a 35-61 degree angle relative to the carabiner body, creating a secure 'key trap' mechanism that prevents accidental removal of keys by positioning the gate rest extension beyond the key hole aperture, ensuring keys are mechanically locked and can only be removed by intentionally opening the gate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional carabiner design is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but keys can accidentally fall off during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The gate rest is segmented into two functional portions: a conventional gate rest portion and an extended gate rest portion. This segmentation allows the extension to provide additional key retention functionality while the original gate rest maintains its conventional simple structure, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gate rest extension adds a spatial dimension to the key retention mechanism by extending beyond the gate opening in a direction that creates a physical barrier. This dimensional extension prevents keys from falling off during normal use while maintaining the simplicity of the original gate structure
2Reliability
If the gate rest extension is positioned at 35-61 degrees angle, then keys are securely held in place, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate rest extension is designed with a specific angular parameter (35-61 degrees relative to the carabiner body) that optimizes the key trap mechanism. This parameter change creates an effective geometric constraint that secures keys while the range provided (35-61 degrees) allows for reasonable manufacturing tolerances
3Reliability
If the gate rest extension extends beyond the key hole aperture, then accidental key removal is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate rest is divided into a conventional portion and an extended portion, where only the extension portion adds complexity. This segmentation allows the additional functionality of preventing accidental key removal while keeping the base structure simple and familiar
Solution Approach 2:
The gate rest extension acts as an intermediary element between the gate mechanism and the key. It provides an additional layer of security by physically blocking accidental removal while allowing intentional removal when the gate is properly opened
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a carabiner that includes a carabiner body forming an opening and comprising a gate base, a gate rest, and a gate rest extension. In embodiments, at least one pivotable gate is coupled to the gate base at a pivotable point and adapted to contact the gate rest when in a closed position. In embodiments, the gate rest extension comprises a gate rest extension axis, and an angle between the gate rest extension and gate when in the closed position is approximately 35-61 degrees.