Key assist devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing key ring systems require considerable dexterity for attaching and detaching keys, leading to inefficiency and a risk of key loss, especially during activities like sports, where keys may inadvertently detach and hit the body.

Innovation Solution

A spring clip-based key assist device that securely clips onto a key ring's split ring and can be easily manipulated for attachment and detachment, allowing the key to be freely suspended or securely attached to clothing items, preventing inadvertent detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a key is attached to a split ring using traditional key ring systems, then the key can be carried conveniently, but considerable dexterity and time are required for attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of key attachment and detachmentVSAvoidtime required for key attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The key assist device is divided into distinct functional components: a clamping member with resilient arms for gripping the split ring, a keyhead housing for securing the key, and a connecting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall complexity of the attachment/detachment operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping member incorporates resilient arms that can dynamically adjust to grip the split ring securely during attachment, then release when a detachment force is applied. This dynamic behavior enables easy attachment and detachment without requiring excessive dexterity or time, as the resilient arms automatically engage and disengage based on user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a key is attached to a split ring, then the key can be carried, but the key may inadvertently detach and hit the user's body during activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of key attachmentVSAvoidkey hitting user's body

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The key assist device applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a resilient clamping member that continuously exerts a gripping force on the split ring, preventing inadvertent detachment before it can occur. The clamping member's resilient arms are pre-loaded to maintain secure engagement, counteracting any forces that might cause the key to detach and hit the user's body during physical activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping member features curved or rounded surfaces that conform to the shape of the split ring, creating a secure mechanical interlock. The resilient arms are designed with specific curvature to match the split ring's geometry, ensuring that the key assist device cannot accidentally slip off during movement or physical activity, thereby preventing the key from hitting the user's body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a key assist device is designed to securely clip onto a split ring, then inadvertent detachment is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of inadvertent detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of key assist device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key assist device employs self-service principles through its resilient clamping member that automatically grips the split ring upon attachment without requiring additional fastening steps. The resilient arms self-adjust to the split ring's diameter and apply continuous gripping force, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or multiple components while maintaining secure attachment and preventing inadvertent detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 key assist device simplifies key handling, reduces the time and dexterity required for attachment and detachment, and prevents keys from hitting the body during activities, enhancing convenience and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping member (103) resiliently mounted on the base member (102) for forming a clamping zone therebetween and preventing a split ring (11) from inadvertently being detached from the spring clip (100)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11291289B2Key assist devices

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 KEY KER CLIP LTD

AI summary

Key assist devices for enabling a user to conveniently and repeatedly attach a key to a key ring's split ring and detach it therefrom and, during its detachment, securely clamp the key to a clothing item for safely carrying the key. The key assist devices include a spring clip with the interchangeability functionality of freely and directly suspending a key from a key ring's split ring and clamping the key on a clothing item. The key assist devices are designed such that they are unable to merely slide off a split ring but rather requires a specific user manipulation.