Integral Belt Buckle Fastening Component Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing belt buckle designs are complex and costly due to multiple components, requiring separate assembly and manufacturing processes for prestressing elements and fastening components.

Innovation Solution

The prestressing element is integrated onto the fastening component as a single, continuous part, simplifying construction and assembly, and allowing for various materials like plastic or metal, with configurations such as spring tongues for prestressing, enabling a slim and stable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate components are used for prestressing element and fastening component, then functional requirements can be met, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the prestressing element and fastening component into a single integral component. The prestressing element is formed as one piece with the fastening component, eliminating the need for separate parts and assembly operations. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integral component performs multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both the fastening element and the prestressing element. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require two separate components, reducing overall device complexity while meeting all functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate components are used for prestressing element and fastening component, then functional requirements can be met, but assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the prestressing element and fastening component into one integral piece, the assembly process is simplified. There is no need to assemble multiple separate components, eliminating assembly operations and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The prestressing element is pre-formed as an integral part of the fastening component during manufacturing, so no separate prestressing assembly is needed. This preliminary integration of functions during manufacturing simplifies the final assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If integral formation is used, then number of parts is reduced and assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidproduction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integral formation of the prestressing element and fastening component reduces the number of parts and assembly steps. While it does require precision in the single manufacturing process, this precision requirement is offset by the elimination of multiple assembly operations and the use of standard manufacturing techniques like injection molding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional separate components are used, then manufacturing processes are established, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing processesVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate components into one integral part, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This reduces production cost by eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes and assembly operations, while still using established manufacturing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional integral component replaces two separate components, reducing the total manufacturing volume and operational complexity. This universality approach lowers production costs by consolidating functions into a single component that can be manufactured using standard processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This integration reduces the number of parts, simplifies production, and results in a cost-effective, stable, and versatile belt buckle that can handle significant forces while maintaining a slim profile.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic prestressing element (3), in particular configured as a spring tongue, for prestressing the fastening component (4, 5) in the direction of its locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9596908B2Belt buckle

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 ABA HORTNAGL

AI summary

A belt buckle (1) with at least one belt-fastening element (2) for at least one belt (35) and with at least one fastening component (4, 5) which is prestressed by at least one elastic prestressing element (3), wherein the prestressing element (3) is integrally formed on the fastening component (4, 5).