Clasp Mechanism for Belt Loop Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular protective elements for plate carriers are not easily removable and often suffer from dirt accumulation and noisy hook-and-loop connections.
Innovation Solution
A clasp design featuring a base element that inserts under the belt loop with web elements on both sides, and a connecting element with a spring arm and locking pawl that securely attaches to the base element, providing a stable and easy-to-use connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used for attachment, then modular protective elements can be attached, but the connection is prone to dirt accumulation and causes noisy connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic hook-and-loop fastener system and replaces it with a clean mechanical locking system consisting of a clasp with locking pawls that engage with cam-shaped locking surfaces. This eliminates the sources of dirt accumulation and noise while maintaining attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the friction-based hook-and-loop mechanical system with a positive mechanical locking system using interlocking pawls and cam surfaces. This substitution provides a cleaner, quieter connection while maintaining ease of attachment and detachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing attachment methods are used, then functional elements can be attached, but they are not quickly and easily removable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring-loaded pawls that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions. The springs allow the pawls to automatically engage with the cam surfaces during attachment and can be easily disengaged by applying force, enabling quick and easy removal while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp is pre-configured with spring-loaded pawls positioned to automatically engage with the cam-shaped locking surfaces upon attachment. This preliminary positioning ensures that attachment is quick and secure, while the springs are pre-loaded to enable easy release when needed.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then stable attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking function into separate modular components: the clasp body, multiple spring-loaded pawls, and cam-shaped locking surfaces on the functional element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system relatively simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pawls automatically engage with the cam surfaces when the functional element is attached to the belt loop, providing self-locking functionality. The springs continuously apply force to keep the pawls engaged, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems while ensuring reliable attachment.
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 clasp allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment of functional elements, reduces dirt accumulation, and eliminates noisy connections, while ensuring a stable and secure attachment to the belt loop.
Implementation Method 1
The spring arm rests on the belt loop when connected. The belt loop thereby preferably presses the locking pawl into the locked position. The locking pawl is preferably released by pressing the spring arm against the belt loop, whose elasticity allows for a certain amount of flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention comprises a clasp for attaching a functional element to a belt loop (3), with a base element (10) which has a bottom area (14) and two web elements (11) and can be inserted under the belt loop (3) in such a way that the bottom area (14) is arranged below the belt loop (3) and the web elements (11) encompass the belt loop (3) on both sides, and with a connecting element (20) which can be locked to the web elements (11) of the base element (10) arranged on the belt loop (3).