Harness Buckle Closure Plates to Prevent Accidental Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick release buckles used in harnesses for rope access technicians are prone to undesired opening, posing a safety risk due to the trade-off between ease of use and security, especially when the user is wearing gloves or in environments where dexterity is compromised.
Innovation Solution
A fixing buckle design featuring a closure system with two independent closure plates, where the first plate prevents the second plate from moving from its secure position to the open position, requiring distinct and consecutive forces to open the buckle, thus reducing the likelihood of accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single closure plate is used for ease of operation, then the buckle is easy to use, but the reliability decreases due to increased probability of undesired opening
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into two independent closure plates (first closure plate and second closure plate) that actuate in different directions. Each closure plate independently obstructs the extraction channel, requiring two separate actions to open the buckle, thereby enhancing safety while maintaining ease of use through simple individual plate movements.
2Reliability
If multiple independent closure plates are used to increase safety, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases making operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into two independent plates with distinct actuation directions, where each plate performs a single function of obstructing the extraction channel. This segmentation maintains simplicity of individual components while achieving enhanced safety through their combined operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The two closure plates are designed to actuate in different directions (first direction for the first plate, second direction for the second plate). This asymmetric design prevents undesired opening while keeping each individual plate simple to operate, as each responds to forces applied in its specific actuation direction.
3Reliability
If the extraction channel has a complex shape to prevent undesired opening, then reliability improves, but ease of operation decreases requiring user dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the extraction channel complex, the system segments the closure function into two plates that move in different directions. Each plate has a simple actuation path, but their combined effect secures the coupling element, maintaining ease of operation while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The two closure plates are positioned to preemptively block the extraction channel from different directions. This preliminary anti-action prevents undesired opening before it can occur, while the plates themselves remain simple to actuate in their respective directions.
Data Source
AI summary
The fixing buckle includes first and second securing parts provided with coupling elements one of which defines a hook. A closure system is configured to define a first position preventing extraction of the first coupling elements from the second coupling elements and a second position allowing insertion and extraction of the first coupling elements. The closure system includes first and second closure plates each having a first position obstructing the hook and a second position configured to remove the first coupling elements. The first position of the first closure plate is configured to prevent movement of the second closure plate from its first position to its second position. The second closure plate separates the first coupling elements and the first closure plate along an extraction channel defined by the hook.