Helmet Buckle Device with Segmented Lever Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buckle devices for helmets are prone to accidental separation during external impacts, compromising safety due to limited rotation angle of the declutch lever, which easily releases the adjustable band from the buckle.
Innovation Solution
A buckle device with a strap unit featuring inclined band teeth and a buckle unit comprising a holder, catcher, and lever connected by a single pin, allowing axial rotation within a predetermined angle range, enhancing safety and manipulability by maintaining engagement even during accidental lever rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the declutch lever is made easily operable with a small rotation angle (25°), then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because accidental separation occurs during external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation range of the declutch lever is segmented into two distinct zones: a first rotation angle range (0°-25°) where only the lever rotates and maintains engagement, and a second rotation angle range (25°-45°) where both the lever and catcher rotate simultaneously to enable release. This segmentation allows the lever to be easily operable within the safe first zone while preventing accidental separation, and requires deliberate operation in the second zone for intentional release.
2Ease of operation
If the rotation angle of the declutch lever is limited to 25°, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens as the helmet can be accidentally removed during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher acts as an intermediary component between the declutch lever and the band. The catcher includes an engagement portion that interfaces with the band and a rotation control portion that regulates the lever's rotation. This intermediary structure allows the lever to rotate easily within the first angle range while the catcher maintains engagement, and only when the lever rotates into the second angle range does the catcher rotate to disengage from the band, preventing accidental separation.
3Reliability
If the declutch lever and catcher are connected to rotate simultaneously over a larger angle range, then the reliability is improved by preventing accidental separation, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased rotation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two operational modes based on the rotation angle. In the first dynamic mode (0°-25°), only the declutch lever rotates while the catcher remains stationary, requiring minimal effort and providing easy operation. In the second dynamic mode (25°-45°), both the lever and catcher rotate simultaneously, requiring greater effort but ensuring reliable release. This dynamic behavior adapts the operational characteristics to the specific phase of the release process.
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 device ensures the helmet remains securely fastened by maintaining strap and buckle unit engagement within a safety zone, improving safety and usability by requiring greater force for release in an assistance safety zone, thus preventing unintentional helmet removal.
Implementation Method 1
the lever and the catcher are elastically supported by first and second torsion springs, respectively
Implementation Method 2
the lever and the catcher are elastically supported by first and second torsion springs, respectively, so that the lever and the catcher rotate on the same axis and return to their initial positions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a buckle device comprising: a strap part having gear teeth in which inclines are formed in one direction; and a buckle part engaged with the gear teeth of the strap part in stages so as to move or lock the strap part, wherein the buckle part comprises: a holder for guiding the movement of the strap part; a catcher coupled to the holder, and having protrusions and recesses engaged with the gear teeth of the strap part; and a lever coupled to the upper part of the catcher, wherein, with respect to the holder, the catcher, and the lever, the lever and the catcher are coupled to the holder by one coupling pin so as to rotate around an axis, and at the same time, only the lever rotates within a predetermined range of a rotational angle. Particularly, the buckle device is used for a helmet for a bicycle or a motorcycle and the like, ensures safety since a buckle is not separated from an adjusting band even when impact occurs from the outside, and has improved user convenience by providing a simple operation structure when the user separates the buckle from the adjusting band.