Elastic Tab Buckle for Ski Pole Wrist Strap Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coupling and releasing wrist straps from handgrips in sporting poles are not easy to construct or operate reliably, particularly in quick and easy handling scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A unit featuring a buckle with an elastic tab and a housing with a through hole and a button-activated releasing mechanism, where the elastic tab is fixed by a support surface within the housing and released by pressing a button, allowing simple and reliable coupling and releasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional coupling and releasing mechanisms are used, then the wrist strap can be attached to the handgrip, but the construction becomes complex and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling means and releasing means into a single integrated unit. The releasing means is positioned inside the housing and directly interacts with the elastic tab that serves as both the coupling element and the releasing element. This merging of functions into one compact assembly simplifies construction while maintaining both attachment and release capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tab serves multiple functions: it acts as the coupling element that secures the buckle to the handgrip, serves as the releasing element when activated by the button, and provides both locking and unlocking functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying construction.
2Ease of operation
If traditional coupling and releasing mechanisms are used, then the wrist strap can be attached to the handgrip, but the operation becomes difficult and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tab automatically engages with the housing to secure the buckle during coupling, requiring no additional actions from the user beyond inserting the buckle. For release, the button directly actuates the elastic tab to disengage, making the operation intuitive and self-explanatory. The system serves itself through the inherent elasticity and mechanical interaction of its components.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasing means is positioned at a specific location within the housing that is easily accessible to the user's thumb or finger. The button is strategically placed to allow one-handed operation, and the elastic tab is positioned to be directly actuated by this button. This localized optimization of the releasing mechanism enhances ease of operation without adding complexity.
3Reliability
If simple coupling means are used, then construction is easy, but the releasing operation becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tab provides dynamic functionality by automatically adjusting its engagement with the housing. During coupling, the elasticity allows the tab to flex and secure firmly. During release, the same elasticity enables the tab to be easily disengaged by the button and then return to its secured position. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable operation while maintaining simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tab acts as an intermediary between the button (releasing means) and the buckle-housing connection. When the button is pressed, it actuates the elastic tab, which in turn releases the buckle from the housing. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable release operation while keeping the overall construction simple and integrated.
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 solution enables a straightforward and reliable operation for coupling and releasing the wrist strap, ensuring easy handling and secure attachment/detachment from the handgrip.
Implementation Method 1
coupling means comprising at least one elastic tab projecting from the body of said buckle and cooperating with a corresponding support surface obtained in said housing to fix said buckle to said handgrip
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a unit for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities, e.g. skiing, trekking and the like, comprising: a buckle with which the wrist strap is associated; a housing obtained in the handgrip housing the buckle; coupling means comprising an elastic tab projecting from the body of the buckle and cooperating with a corresponding support surface obtained in the housing to fix the buckle to the handgrip; releasing means that can be reached by the user and are inserted in the housing, suitable for cooperating with the elastic tab to release the buckle from the handgrip.