Interchangeable Goggle Strap Connector with Tension-Aligning Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goggle strap connection systems are cumbersome and difficult to use, especially when worn or with gloved hands, as they require fumbling to find small parts to engage or disengage the buckle, wasting time in urgent situations.
Innovation Solution
A goggle strap connector system comprising a female and male bracket with a channel and bar bumps, where the male bracket's enlarged end is slid into the female bracket's channel, and tension direction aligns with locking, allowing easy engagement and disengagement with audible clicks, even with gloves on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional buckle connection system is used to attach goggle straps, then the strap can be securely connected to the goggle frame, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when worn or with gloved hands
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate male and female bracket components. The male bracket attaches to the strap end while the female bracket is integrated into the goggle frame. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables quick connection by simply aligning and pushing the two halves together without complex manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The male bracket automatically engages with the female bracket when pushed together, with the strap tension itself helping to secure the connection. The system uses the natural tension from the strap to maintain the locked position, eliminating the need for additional fastening actions or small parts that are difficult to manipulate
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional buckle system with small parts is used, then the strap can be disconnected, but the user must fumble to find the right small parts to press or the right space to engage, consuming precious time in time-pressured situations
Solution Approach 1:
The complex manipulation elements (small parts to press, hidden engagement points) are completely removed from the system. The connection and disconnection is achieved through a simple push motion that aligns the male and female brackets, with no small parts to locate or manipulate. The entire operation can be performed with a single gloved hand motion
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively manipulate small parts to engage or disengage the buckle, the system is inverted so that the natural strap tension and a simple push motion automatically engage the connection. Disconnection is achieved by pulling the strap, which naturally releases the male bracket from the female bracket, reversing the traditional approach where active manipulation is needed for both engagement and disengagement
3Reliability
If the goggle strap connector requires complex manipulation to engage or disengage, then secure connection can be achieved, but the user cannot easily remove the goggles in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static, multi-step locking mechanism to a dynamic, tension-responsive system. The male bracket remains securely locked during normal use due to the continuous holding force from strap tension, but can be quickly released by applying a pulling force in emergency situations. The system's mechanical properties allow it to respond dynamically to different force directions and magnitudes
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Goggles (100) include a goggle frame (102), a goggle strap (300), and a goggle strap connector (400). The goggle strap has a direction of strap tension when the goggles are worn by a user. The goggle strap connector includes a female bracket (500) and a male bracket (600). The female bracket is directly coupled to the goggle frame or the goggle strap, including first and second bracket walls (502, 504), a channel (506) defined between the bracket walls, projections (520), and recesses (522). The male bracket is configured to mateably couple to the female bracket, including a sliding bar (604) and an enlarged bar end (606). First movement of the goggle strap in the strap tension direction may move at least one of the bar bumps of the enlarged bar end past at least one of the projections to position the at least one of the bar bumps within at least one of the recesses.