Diving Jacket Weight Buckle with Guide Ribbings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diving jacket weight connection systems, such as those using FAST® buckles, are difficult to open with thick gloves and can accidentally open when knocked, and are complex to reinsert weights underwater due to loose elements and size mismatches between the casing and pocket.
Innovation Solution
A buckle system with elastically deformable arms, a rigid plate with lateral guide ribbings, and an auxiliary element with a handgrip that allows controlled release and reinsertion of weights, preventing accidental opening and facilitating single-motion insertion and closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional FAST buckles are used for weight connection, then the sealing and locking function is achieved, but the buckle becomes difficult to open when wearing thick gloves and can accidentally open when knocked
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle system is divided into separate functional components: a male part with deformable arms for locking, a female part with receiving features, and a sliding plate for controlled operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the deformable arms provide secure locking while the sliding plate mechanism enables controlled opening that prevents accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding plate is pre-positioned to cover the deformable arms, requiring a deliberate sliding action to expose and activate them. This preliminary positioning of the sliding plate prevents accidental knocking of the arms while maintaining the ability to open the buckle intentionally by sliding the plate in the correct direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If loose weight elements are used in the casing, then the weights can be adjusted, but the casing deforms and becomes complex to reinsert into the pocket underwater
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is given a streamlined, curved shape that reduces deformation when containing loose weight elements and facilitates smooth insertion into the pocket. The curved geometry allows the casing to flex slightly with the loose elements while maintaining an overall shape that easily enters the pocket opening, reducing the complexity of reinsertion underwater.
3Ease of operation
If the male part is forced to automatically come out when arms are released, then the opening action is simplified, but the buckle can accidentally open from knocking
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding plate acts as an intermediary between the operator's hand and the deformable arms. Instead of directly knocking the arms to open the buckle, the operator must slide the plate, which then controls the release of the arms. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the opening action while preventing accidental opening, as knocking cannot directly activate the release without the plate being in the correct position.
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 system remains closed during accidental knocks and simplifies weight insertion and extraction, ensuring secure and efficient operation even underwater with thick gloves, reducing the complexity of reinserting weights into the jacket pocket.
Implementation Method 1
a male part (10) comprising elastically deformable arms (15), with transversal abutment surfaces (17) and inclined sliding sides (16)
Implementation Method 2
a rigid plate (8) connecting the male part to the casing, the rigid plate comprising lateral guide ribbings (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for reversible connection between a casing for lead weights and a corresponding pocket of a diving jacket is described. The device has an elastically insertable and releasable buckle with a male part connected to the casing through a rigid plate and with a sheath, acting as the female part of the buckle, connected to the pocket of the jacket. The rigid plate presents lateral guide ribbings, suitable for facilitating insertion of the male part of the buckle in the sheath.