Deformable Buckle Retainer Curling Strap for Pull-Out Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal buckles for fastening encircling straps lack sufficient pull-out resistance and tensile strength, despite their desirable properties like high temperature and corrosion resistance.
Innovation Solution
A buckle design featuring a deformable retainer with an entrance passageway, retainer tab, and strapping supports, combined with a bridge having an exit passageway and teeth, allows the strap to curl over the bridge upon deformation, enhancing pull-out resistance and tensile strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional metal buckle design is used, then the buckle provides basic fastening function with desirable material properties (high tensile strength, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance), but the pull-out resistance and tensile strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion, a bridge with teeth, and a deformable portion with defined geometry. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the bridge teeth engage the strap for pull-out resistance, while the deformable portion provides controlled deformation for installation and locking
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portion is designed with a curved cross-sectional geometry that allows it to bend and deform in a controlled manner during installation. This curvature enables the retainer to be deformed onto the strap and then spring back to secure the strap, enhancing both installation ease and holding strength
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is made deformable to allow strap installation and curling, then the ease of operation improves, but the structural integrity and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the retainer have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The bridge portion is designed with high structural integrity and tooth engagement surfaces for reliable strap holding, while the deformable portion is specifically designed to be more compliant for installation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the retainer to be both easy to install and reliably strong
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is pre-formed with a specific curved cross-sectional geometry that predisposes it to deform in a controlled manner during installation. This preliminary shaping ensures that when force is applied during installation, the retainer deforms predictably to allow strap insertion and then springs back to secure the strap, providing both ease of operation and reliability
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 buckle design significantly improves the strap's pull-out resistance and tensile strength by securely curling the strap over the bridge, preventing relaxation of induced tension and enhancing the buckle's overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
The free end of the strap is bendable over the bridge and between the strapping supports and the opening such that the free end of the strap curls when the retainer is deformed
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a buckle for fastening opposing ends of an object encircling strap (120). The buckle includes a deformable retainer (130) and a bridge (140). The deformable retainer defines an entrance passageway (150) for a free end of the strap and includes a retainer tab (131), an opening (132) adjacent the retainer tab, and a pair of strapping supports (133) spaced apart from the opening. The bridge defines an exit passageway (160) for the free end of the strap. The free end of the strap is positionable around an object and consecutively through the entrance passageway and the exit passageway. The free end of the strap is bendable over the bridge and between the strapping supports and the opening such that the free end of the strap curls when the retainer is deformed.