Elongated Frame Strap Adjuster for Gloved Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attaching structures for strap-based attachable arrangements, such as harnesses and safety belts, are difficult to grasp and adjust due to their small size and form, especially when wearing gloves, leading to slippage and ineffective strap adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An attaching structure with an elongated frame and a friction buckle mechanism that includes an adjuster bar and contact member, allowing for improved gripping and manipulation of straps, enabling quick and effective adjustment, even with gloved hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the frame is made small and compact, then the attaching structure is less bulky, but the frame becomes difficult to grasp and manipulate, leading to slippage and ineffective adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into two distinct parts: a compact functional portion housing the friction mechanism, and an extended gripping portion protruding from the functional portion. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain a small overall volume while providing a separate, dedicated gripping surface that is optimized for manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the friction mechanism, creating a three-dimensional structure. This dimensional extension provides a protruding surface that can be grasped from the side, eliminating the slippage problem associated with flat, compact frames while minimizing the overall volume increase.
2Volume of moving object
If the frame is made compact, then the attaching structure is more space-efficient, but manipulation with gloved hands becomes difficult, leading to inability to effectively adjust the strap
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the gripping function from the functional mechanism through spatial segmentation, the design allows operators to effectively manipulate the frame even when wearing gloves. The extended gripping portion provides a larger surface area that can be grasped with gloved hands, while the compact functional portion remains space-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended gripping portion acts as an intermediary between the operator's gloved hand and the friction mechanism. This intermediate structure translates the grasping action into effective manipulation of the strap adjustment mechanism, bridging the gap between protective gear and functional operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the frame is small, then the attaching structure is more compact, but the user's hand slips off the frame during adjustment, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into distinct functional and gripping portions, allowing the gripping surface to be optimized for secure hand contact while the functional portion remains compact. This segmentation ensures that the hand grasps the extended portion rather than slipping off the smaller functional area.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended gripping portion features a curved upper surface that conforms to the natural shape of the hand. This curvature provides ergonomic contact points that prevent slippage during manipulation, enhancing the reliability of the grasping action while maintaining a compact overall structure.
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
Enhances the ability to adjust straps effectively and securely, providing a comfortable fit and improved safety in hazardous environments by facilitating easy manipulation and grip, even when wearing protective gear.
Implementation Method 1
a friction mechanism (118) includes an adjustor bar (32) extending across the opening (28) and laterally movable with respect to the frame (12). The adjustor bar (32) includes a contact surface (36) for contacting a surface of the strap (132).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
An attaching structure for use in an attachable arrangement including at least one elongate strap and configured to be removably attached to at least a portion of a body of a user. The attaching structure includes: a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured for attachment of at least one strap of the attachable arrangement; and an adjustment mechanism is operational engagement with the frame, wherein at least a portion of the adjustment mechanism is configured to contact at least one strap of the attachable arrangement and permit adjustable movement thereof; and wherein the second end of the frame is elongated and configured to permit the user to grasp the second end of the frame and move it relative to the body of the user.