Closure Device Actuating Element Friction Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure devices, such as carabiners, are difficult and unwieldy to handle, especially when used to connect a dog leash to a collar, and lack a simple and hapticly pleasant actuation mechanism for creating a firm connection that cannot be released under load.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with an actuating element held on a first closure part via a frictional or latching connection, which is locked in a loaded state but can be released in an unloaded state, using a combination of elastic and frictional mechanisms to ensure a secure and easy-to-open design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional closure devices like carabiners are used to create a firm connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult and unwieldy handling
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into separate components: a first closure part, a second closure part, and an actuating element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the actuating element can be designed for easy manipulation while the closure parts provide strong connection, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary between the user and the closure mechanism. It mediates the locking and unlocking actions through frictional or latching connections, making the operation easier while maintaining the strength of the actual closure connection between the two closure parts
2Reliability
If a frictional or latching connection is used to hold the actuating element, then the reliability under load is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in releasing
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuating element and the first closure part is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The frictional or latching connection automatically adapts its holding force based on the load state - maintaining strong engagement under load for reliability, while allowing easy release when unloaded by reducing the holding force, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of release
3Reliability
If the actuating element is firmly connected to the first closure part, then the reliability of the closed state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection characteristics between the actuating element and the first closure part are designed to change parameters based on load conditions. The frictional or latching mechanism automatically adjusts its engagement parameters - providing strong holding force when needed for reliability, but simplifying the release mechanism when unloaded, thereby achieving high reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 closure device provides a secure connection under load that cannot be unintentionally released, while being easy to open in the unloaded state, offering a balance between security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
in the closed state the actuating element is held on the first closure part in a frictionally engaged or latching manner via an at least partially elastic portion
Implementation Method 2
the actuating element is held on the first closure part in a frictionally engaged or latching manner
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The invention relates to a closing device comprising a first closing part, a second closing part that can be arranged on the first closing part in a fixing direction and is connected to the first closing part in a closed state, and an actuating element on which the second closing part is movably arranged. In the closed state, the second closing part is held on the first closing part by means of the actuating element, and interacts with the actuating element in such a way that, in a loaded state, when a force acts on the second closing part in relation to the first closing part in the fixing direction, the actuating element is connected to the first closing part in a fixed manner, and holds the second closing part on the first closing part. In an unloaded state, however, the second closing part can be detached from the first closing part by actuating the actuating element. Furthermore, the actuating element (4) is held, in the closed state, in a frictional or engaging manner, on the first closing part (3) by means of an at least partially elastic section (40, 400). In this way, a closing device is provided, that can be operated in a simple and haptically pleasant manner, simultaneously creating a fixed connection between two closing parts, that cannot be detached in the loaded state.