Conical Core Plug for Belt Buckle Half-Shell Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for belt buckle half-shells are either costly to produce or require complex assembly processes, and they do not provide a secure and durable connection between the half-shells.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a conically tapering core plug and symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged ribs is inserted in a material-bonded or friction-fit manner into one half-shell and secured in a friction- and/or interference-fit manner into the second half-shell, allowing for a cost-efficient and simple assembly with enhanced retention force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional connecting elements with uniformly shaped end-sections are used, then the assembly process is simplified, but the pressing-in force increases with insertion depth requiring higher assembly forces and complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element features a conical core plug where the diameter varies continuously along the insertion direction. The smaller diameter at the insertion end reduces initial pressing force, while the larger diameter at the fastening end provides increased retention force. This local variation in geometry resolves the contradiction by optimizing both assembly ease and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the core plug from a uniform cylinder to a cone with varying diameter. This parameter change allows the pressing-in force to remain relatively constant during assembly while providing increased retention force in the fastening section, eliminating the need for complex assembly equipment.
2Reliability
If connecting elements with externally profiled end-sections are used, then retention force is increased, but the assembly requires parallel insertion and higher equipment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The conical core plug creates different local conditions: the smaller diameter region facilitates easy insertion, while the larger diameter region provides strong retention. This local quality differentiation achieves high reliability without requiring complex parallel insertion equipment.
3Reliability
If material-bonded fastening arrangements with anchored sections are used, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conical geometry of the core plug is manufactured as an integrated feature of the connecting element through standard plastic injection molding. This parameter change from uniform to conical geometry achieves secure friction-fit and interference-fit connections without requiring separate anchoring sections or complex multi-step manufacturing processes.
4Ease of operation
If friction-fit connections with restrictedly elastic profiles are used, then assembly is simplified, but the connection durability and retention force are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conical core plug creates an interference-fit connection where the varying diameter generates sufficient friction force for durable connections. The conical geometry maintains assembly simplicity while significantly improving connection durability compared to uniformly elastic profiles.
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
This solution enables a durable and secure connection between the half-shells with reduced assembly time and costs, allowing for easy integration into existing buckle covers without altering their external configuration, and provides a consistent pressing force during assembly and increased retention force.
Implementation Method 1
inserted, with the fastening section, in a friction- and/or interference-fit manner, into a second half-shell
Implementation Method 2
inserted, with the fastening section, in a friction- and/or interference-fit manner, into a second half-shell
Implementation Method 3
The elastic sections at the end of the conical core plug in accordance with the present invention make possible, on the one hand, a simplified inserting and centering
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting element (30) for fixation of two half-shells (10, 20) of a buckle cover (5) for a seat belt buckle. The connecting element (30) includes two externally profiled end-sections, an anchoring section (21) that is mounted to a first half-shell (20), with a fastening section (11) adjoining a separation section (15), The connecting element (30) is connected to the half-shell (20) in a material-bonded or interference-fit manner and the fastening section (11) is connected in a friction- and interference-fit manner to the additional half-shell (10). The fastening section (11) includes a core plug (14) that tapers conically toward the free end, and having a symmetrically or asymmetrically formed ramp-shaped structure formed of single ramp-shaped sections (13) that widen respectively in the direction of the separation section (15).