Integral Clamping Fastener With Spring-Loaded Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical fastening devices lack a secure and user-friendly mechanism for attaching personal accessories like gloves to belts or clothing, often requiring complex setups or unreliable retention methods.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with pivotally interacting clamping members and an integral belt clip, featuring frictional surfaces and a biasing member to securely hold accessories, allowing for easy attachment and detachment via a pin through pivot apertures, and optionally including a clip member for belt retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mechanical fastening devices are used for attaching accessories to belts, then the attachment function is provided, but the security and reliability of retention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device employs a dynamic spring-loaded clamping mechanism where the spring continuously applies force to maintain clamping pressure on the accessory. This dynamic element ensures reliable retention by automatically compensating for any loosening or wear, while the spring mechanism itself provides the necessary force without requiring complex external actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping members are designed to automatically engage and secure the accessory when inserted between them. The spring-loaded mechanism self-activates to clamp the accessory firmly without requiring additional fastening steps or complex user operations, thereby achieving reliable retention through a simple insertion action.
2Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used to improve retention security, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is segmented into distinct functional components: clamping members for securing the accessory, a spring mechanism for providing clamping force, and a belt clip for attachment to the belt. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the simple act of inserting the accessory between the clamping members triggering the securement process without complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the securement action automatically through its spring-loaded clamping members that engage as soon as the accessory is positioned between them. The spring mechanism self-activates to apply clamping force, and the belt clip automatically attaches to the belt, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening operations while ensuring reliable retention.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the fastening device, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the durability and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members, spring mechanism, and belt clip are merged into a single integrated structure. This unified design ensures that all components work together as a cohesive unit, maintaining structural integrity and durability while performing multiple functions. The integration eliminates weak points that would exist at connection interfaces between separate parts, thereby strengthening the overall device.
4Ease of operation
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of accessory retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamping members automatically engage and apply clamping force as soon as the accessory is inserted between them, providing reliable retention through a simple insertion action. The spring mechanism self-activates to secure the accessory firmly without requiring additional user actions, thereby achieving both operational simplicity and reliable retention simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic spring mechanism continuously applies clamping force to maintain secure retention of the accessory. This dynamic element ensures that the accessory remains firmly held during use while the activation process remains simple - the user only needs to insert the accessory between the clamping members, after which the spring automatically provides the necessary securing force.
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
Provides a secure, user-friendly method for attaching various accessories to belts or clothing, ensuring reliable retention and easy operation, with the ability to be manufactured as a single integral component for enhanced durability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the clamping members toward each other
Implementation Method 2
frictional surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a fastening device for selectively securing an accessory, such as gloves. The fastening device may include an upper clamping member, a lower clamping member, and a biasing member manufactured as a single integral component. The upper clamping member may pivot with respect to the lower clamping member about a pin passing through pivot apertures formed in the clamping members. The biasing member may maintain the accessory clamping formed by the clamping members in a closed, clamped position. The accessory clamp may be configured to selectively secure any of a wide variety of accessories. In various embodiments, the fastening device may include an integral belt clip for selectively securing the fastening device, and a clamped accessory, to a belt or other clippable item, such pants or a jacket.