Interlocking Clasp Arms and Magnets for Stable Strap Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clasps fail to effectively resist tension and lateral motion between connected straps or garment portions, leading to potential separation and instability.
Innovation Solution
The clasp design incorporates interlocking arms and magnets that engage with each other to resist relative movement in multiple directions, ensuring stability and alignment of connected straps or garment portions, with optional features like ramps and chamfers for easy transition between connected and disconnected states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing clasp designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the clasp fails to effectively resist tension and lateral motion between connected straps
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp is divided into multiple functional segments: interlocking arms for lateral motion resistance, magnets for alignment and connection force, ramps for engagement guidance, and chamfers for disengagement facilitation. Each segment addresses specific directional forces independently, creating comprehensive stability without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking arms feature asymmetric geometry with ledges positioned at specific heights and angles. The ramps have asymmetric slopes designed to guide engagement in one direction while facilitating disengagement in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design provides superior resistance to both tension and lateral motion while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If interlocking arms with multiple engagement points are used, then resistance to lateral motion is improved, but the difficulty of disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp transitions from a static interlocking structure to a dynamic system where the ramps and chamfers actively guide the disengagement process. When force is applied to separate the clasps, the ramps convert the separation force into controlled movement of the interlocking arms along their engagement path, while chamfers provide a mechanical advantage that reduces the force required for disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramps act as intermediary elements between the interlocking arms and the external separation force. Instead of directly overcoming the interlocking engagement, the ramps mediate the disengagement process by providing a gradual transition path that guides the arms apart, reducing the effort needed while maintaining secure connection during normal use.
3Reliability
If magnets are added to the clasp, then alignment and connection stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnets are integrated into the clasp body structure rather than being separate attachment components. The magnetic elements are embedded within or mounted to the existing clasp housing, combining the alignment function with the structural body. This merging approach adds magnetic alignment capability while minimizing the increase in overall component count and structural complexity.
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 clasp design provides enhanced resistance to tension and lateral forces, maintaining the connected state securely and allowing easy disconnection when desired, enhancing the stability and usability of straps or garment connections.
Implementation Method 1
The clasp design incorporates interlocking arms and magnets that engage with each other to resist relative movement in multiple directions
Implementation Method 2
Interlocking arms may be adjacent to the mating surface, proximate to the second lateral side of the clasp member. Each of the interlocking arms may extend from the body away from the mating surface and toward the first lateral side of the clasp member to define a ledge.
Implementation Method 3
with optional features like ramps and chamfers for easy transition between connected and disconnected states
Data Source
AI summary
Clasp members may include a strap connector located on a first lateral side of the clasp member, the strap connector for connecting to a strap or a portion of a garment. The clasp member may include an interlocking fastener on a second lateral side of the clasp member, the second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The interlocking fastener may be for connecting to a further interlocking fastener. The interlocking fastener may include a body defining a mating surface. The mating surface of each strap connector may be positioned to come into contact and hold in contact when the clasp is in a joined position. When the clasp is transitioning from joined position to a non-joined position, separation methods may assist to guide the strap connectors apart