Locking Slide Clip With Pivoting Door for Compact Webbing Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing buckles are long, occupy uncomfortable space on the sternum, are difficult to reattach if detached, prone to shifting, and have complex manufacturing processes due to their design and the use of textile rails.

Innovation Solution

A locking slide clip with a C-shaped body and pivotable door, featuring protrusions and cam channels, that securely engages with webbing rails without textile rails, allowing for adjustable and efficient attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known buckle components are used to securely connect components together, then connection reliability is improved, but the buckle components are relatively long and occupy uncomfortable space on the sternum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidbuckle length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The buckle is divided into two separate members: a first buckle member with a cam mechanism and a second buckle member with a slot. This segmentation allows each component to be more compact while maintaining the overall locking function, reducing the total length and sternal occupation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism is nested within the body of the first buckle member, with the cam slot integrated into the second buckle member. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact and integrated, reducing the overall buckle length while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If known buckle components are designed with complex shapes for secure attachment, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and production time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidbuckle shape complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex locking function is segmented into simple geometric features: a cam surface on the first buckle member and a corresponding slot on the second. This segmentation transforms a complex integrated shape into simpler separate components that are easier to manufacture while maintaining strong connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design uses parameter changes in the cam mechanism (cam angle, slot orientation) to achieve secure attachment without requiring complex overall buckle shapes. The locking strength is controlled by geometric parameters rather than complex forms, simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If known buckle components are made adjustable with respect to the article, then adaptability is improved, but the buckle components may undesirably shift in relation to the article

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustabilityVSAvoidbuckle position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism is designed to engage the slot in a predetermined locking position once adjustment is made. The cam surface naturally guides the components into a stable engaged position, preventing undesirable shifting while maintaining adjustability during the adjustment phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The buckle system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic system where the cam can rotate to different positions during adjustment, then locks statically in the desired position. This dynamic capability enables both adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If known buckle components use tightly wrapped textile rails for attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex tightly wrapped textile rail structure is extracted and replaced with a simpler webbing strap system. The buckle members attach directly to the webbing using the cam-and-slot mechanism, eliminating the need for complex textile rail wrapping while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3533353B1Locking slide clip
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3533353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3533353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3533353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking slide clip (100) includes a C-shaped body (102) and a door (106). The C-shaped body defines an opening (172, 174) in communication with a slot (170). The door is pivotably engaged with the C-shaped body opposite the slot and includes a protrusion (216).