Locking Buckle with Pivotable Strap-Locking Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-release buckles are not suitable for applications where preventing the separation of strap ends or adjusting strap length is undesirable, as they are inherently releasable and allow easy adjustment or removal.
Innovation Solution
A locking buckle design featuring a pivotable strap-locking bar that transitions between unlocked and locked configurations, with a mechanism to prevent strap passage when locked, utilizing a combination of spring prongs and locking loops to secure the buckle, and optionally incorporating a detent mechanism for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a side-release buckle is used to allow easy release and adjustment of the strap, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened because the strap can be accidentally released or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle incorporates a strap-locking bar that can dynamically transition between an unlocked configuration (allowing strap adjustment) and a locked configuration (preventing strap removal). This dynamic element allows the buckle to adapt its state based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between ease of release and prevention of accidental release.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent strap removal, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The strap-locking bar is integrated with the existing spring prong mechanism of the side-release buckle. The locking bar pivots within the buckle body and works in conjunction with the spring prongs, merging the locking function with the existing release mechanism rather than adding a completely separate complex locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap-locking bar incorporates a detent mechanism that automatically engages to hold the bar in the locked configuration once the strap is inserted. The spring prongs also automatically engage with the locking bar, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional complex mechanisms or manual intervention.
3Strength
If the strap-locking bar is made secure to prevent strap passage, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened because adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The strap-locking bar is designed to be dynamically reversible - it can be easily pivoted to the unlocked configuration when adjustment is needed, and then securely locked when adjustment is complete. This dynamic reversibility maintains ease of operation while providing strong security when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring prongs act as intermediaries between the strap-locking bar and the strap. They provide the securing force to hold the strap in place when the locking bar is engaged, while allowing the locking bar itself to remain relatively simple and easy to operate.
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 locking buckle effectively prevents strap adjustment and separation by securely locking the strap in place, allowing secure connections for applications like luggage straps and dog collars while maintaining adjustability when the locking device is removed.
Implementation Method 1
as the male member is inserted into the front open side of the female member, the spring prongs are forced together (e.g. deformed). When the male member is completely inserted into the female member, each of the spring prongs can restoratively deform back to (or near to) its undeformed shape by protruding into one of the two side holes
Data Source
AI summary
A locking buckle comprising a first buckle member and a second buckle member. The first buckle member may comprise a first strap-receiving slot for receiving a first loop end of a strap, the first strap-receiving slot is defined in part by a strap-retaining bar and a body of the first buckle member and a strap-locking bar pivotably attached to the body of the first buckle member, the strap-locking bar pivotable between an unlocked configuration in which a strap may freely pass through the first strap-receiving slot and a locked configuration in which a strap passing through strap-receiving slot is prevented from passing freely through the first strap-receiving slot. The second buckle member is connectable to the first buckle member. The second buckle member comprises a second strap-receiving slot for receiving a second loop end of the strap.