Side-release buckle with flexible floating strut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-release buckle assemblies require excessive force to disconnect the male connection member from the female connection member due to the rigid strut member configuration, limiting the size of the lateral arms and buttons.
Innovation Solution
A male buckle connector with flexible and resilient floating struts that connect the lateral arms, allowing them to deflect and spring-bias apart, with pivot points proximate the strap bar, enabling easier disconnection with reduced force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid strut member is used to connect lateral arms, then structural stability is improved, but the force required to disconnect the buckle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the strut member from rigid to flexible. The flexible strut member can deflect during the disconnection process, allowing the lateral arms to move apart more easily. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural stability when connected while reducing the force needed to disconnect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the strut member by making it flexible rather than rigid. The flexible strut can dynamically adjust its shape during connection and disconnection operations, deflecting under load and returning to its original position. This dynamic capability allows the buckle to maintain stability during use while enabling easier disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If the lateral arms are made larger to ease button pressing, then ease of operation is improved, but the arms become harder to deflect due to the rigid strut
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flexibility parameter of the strut member, which allows larger lateral arms to be used without increasing the difficulty of deflection. The flexible strut accommodates the larger arm size while still allowing sufficient deflection for easy button pressing and arm movement.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid strut member is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but material usage increases due to the need for larger arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property or structural parameter of the strut member to be flexible. This allows the use of smaller, less material-intensive lateral arms while maintaining ease of manufacture. The flexible nature of the strut enables the arms to be smaller since they don't need to overcome rigid structural resistance during deflection.
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 assembly allows for easier disconnection of the male connection member from the female connection member using less force, with larger buttons and longer arms, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible and resilient floating strut, which may be U-, or W-shaped, connects the lateral arms together. The floating strut is configured to deflect about at least one second pivot point.
Implementation Method 2
The floating strut may spring-bias the lateral arms apart from one another.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly includes a female connection member having button openings, and a male connection member configured to mate with the female connection member into a securely connected position. The male connection member includes lateral arms having buttons at distal ends. The lateral arms are configured to deflect about pivot points, and the buttons are configured to be secured within the button openings. A flexible and resilient floating strut connects the lateral arms together.