Elastic Tab Buckle Structure for Stable Belt Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckles for belts unintentionally tilt, reducing fastening force and increasing component count, leading to manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A buckle design with a tab that undergoes elastic deformation to adjust and maintain fastening position, using a flexible portion as a fulcrum to pivot, reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate clamping member is used to maintain fastening position, then the fastening position can be maintained, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the clamping function into the tab component itself, which is already part of the buckle body. The tab includes a clamping portion that directly clamps the belt body between itself and the bar, eliminating the need for a separate clamping member. This merging of functions reduces component count while maintaining the fastening position maintenance capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the buckle is unintentionally tilted, then adjustment capability is available, but fastening force is reduced and fastening position moves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible portion in the connecting portion that allows the tab to dynamically change its attitude. When the buckle is tilted, the flexible portion undergoes elastic deformation, enabling the tab to pivot and maintain its clamping function. This dynamic adaptability ensures that the fastening force remains stable even when the buckle orientation changes, preventing unintended movement of the fastening position.
3Ease of operation
If the tab is made flexible to allow attitude change, then adjustment and release is enabled, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the flexible portion only in specific regions of the connecting portion where flexibility is needed for tab articulation. The connecting portion includes a flexible portion that allows elastic deformation for tab movement, while other portions maintain sufficient structural strength. This localized flexibility approach enables easy operation for adjustment and release while preserving overall structural integrity.
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 maintains fastening position while reducing components, facilitating easy adjustment and operation with minimal force, preventing damage and component wear.
Implementation Method 1
the tab is configured to undergo attitude change to cause the fore end portion to separate from the first bar, by causing a flexible portion to undergo elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle includes: a pair of side walls; a first bar and a second bar that each couple the pair of side walls to each other; a tab that is disposed between the pair of side walls and extends in a direction intersecting a facing direction of the pair of side walls; and connecting portions that couple the tab to the pair of side walls, respectively. The tab includes a fore end portion. The fore end portion is disposed between the first bar and the second bar and is configured to clamp a belt body between the fore end portion and the first bar. The tab is configured to undergo attitude change to cause the fore end portion to separate from the first bar by causing a flexible portion to undergo elastic deformation. The flexible portion is a portion of each of the connecting portions.