Coupling Member Tab and Flange Prevents Accidental Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buckles and closure devices in articles such as braces and shoes often fail due to dirt accumulation, accidental uncoupling, and inability to maintain tension, leading to potential damage or discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a female component and a male component featuring a coupling member with a tab and flange that engages within a recessed aperture, providing a secure and tensionable connection that prevents accidental uncoupling, combined with a tension member system for adjustable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional buckles and closure devices are used, then the article can be easily opened and closed, but the device may accidentally uncouple when fully tensioned
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling aperture includes a lip that engages with the coupling member to prevent uncoupling before tension is applied. The recessed portion is configured to receive the coupling member only after tension member engagement, creating a preliminary mechanical barrier against accidental uncoupling while maintaining ease of intentional opening and closing
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static engagement to a dynamic state-dependent engagement. The coupling member can be inserted into the coupling aperture easily, but once tension is applied through the tension member, the lip engages with the coupling member to lock it in place, preventing accidental uncoupling while allowing intentional release
2Ease of operation
If Velcro straps are used for coupling, then the closure can be easily adjusted, but the surface gets filled with dirt and debris reducing usefulness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the coupling function from the large surface area Velcro interface and concentrates it into a small, discrete coupling member and coupling aperture interface. This localized engagement point is much less susceptible to dirt and debris accumulation while maintaining the ability to easily adjust and reposition the closure
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on a large surface area interaction, the coupling mechanism uses a localized, precision engagement between the coupling member and coupling aperture. This localized interface is less affected by environmental contaminants while preserving adjustability through the tension member system
3Ease of operation
If conventional buckles allow uncoupling under tension, then the article can be quickly released, but the limb becomes unsupported causing damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The lip in the coupling aperture creates a preliminary mechanical barrier that prevents uncoupling while tension is applied. The coupling member cannot be withdrawn from the coupling aperture as long as the tension member maintains engagement, ensuring the limb remains supported during normal use while allowing quick release when intentionally uncoupled
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a coupling component includes a female component and a male component. The female component includes a main body portion and a coupling aperture. Similarly, the male component includes a main body portion and a coupling member. The coupling member that is mateable with the coupling aperture of the female component to couple the male and female components together. The main body portion of the male component includes a top surface and a relatively planar bottom surface. The coupling member includes a relatively planar top surface and a bottom surface. The relatively planar top surface of the coupling member is offset from the relatively planar bottom surface of the male component. The male and female components are non-releasable from a coupled engagement while under tension via a tension member.