Linkless Locking Snap-Hook for Multi-Accessory Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snap-hooks lack sufficient strength and versatility for certain applications, limiting the number of accessories that can be attached and the range of movement, especially in industries like electric utility, arborist, and construction.

Innovation Solution

A linkless snap-hook design with a sigmoidal body member featuring a distal eye loop and a proximal open loop portion, allowing direct attachment of various devices without an intermediate link, and incorporating a dual-actuated locking mechanism for enhanced security and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional snap-hook design with single eye loop is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the number of accessories that can be attached and range of movement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of accessories that can be attached and range of movementVSAvoidstructure complexity with multiple loops

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The snap-hook is divided into two distinct loop portions: a first eye loop at the distal end and a second eye loop at the proximal end. This segmentation allows each loop to serve different attachment purposes, enabling multiple accessories to be attached simultaneously with improved range of movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If locking mechanism is added to snap-hook, then security and prevention of premature release are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of premature releaseVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the snap-hook is inserted into an opening. The resilient locking member deflects and locks into place without requiring additional manual intervention, providing reliable prevention of premature release while minimizing complexity through self-actuating operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If linkless attachment design is used, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of attachment operationVSAvoidprecision of loop positioning and dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Both the first eye loop and second eye loop are designed with compatible dimensions and configurations to work with the same types of openings and accessories. This universality allows either loop to attach to various devices independently, enabling linkless attachment operations with improved productivity while using standard manufacturing tolerances rather than requiring exceptional precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11319984B2Locking snap-hook for use with linkless attachment

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 BUCKINGHAM MFG CO INC

AI summary

A linkless, locking snap-hook, comprising a body member with a proximal hook, defining a proximal opening facing a first direction, and a distal hook, defining a distal opening facing a second direction. A linkless, locking snap-hook also comprising a locking mechanism which has a keeper, a biasing means, and a locking grip member. The linkless, locking snap-hook is capable of accepting a variety of attachment devices.