Magnetic Buckle for Knapsack Chest Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional buckles for chest straps in knapsacks have complex configurations that make them difficult to manufacture, require high technical skill, and are inconvenient to use, especially when trying to adjust the height or attach small articles like a water bottle hose, due to the need for two-handed operation and complex locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A buckle design featuring a plug member and socket member with embedded magnets and simplified coupling protrusions and recesses, allowing for one-handed operation and easy attachment of small articles, using magnetic forces for coupling and separation without the need for lock arms, and incorporating an elevating rail system for adjustable height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional buckles with lock arms and chambers are used, then reliable fastening is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidbuckle configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical lock arm system with a magnetic coupling mechanism. The plug member and socket member are attracted to each other through magnetic force, eliminating the need for lock arms, chambers, and complex fastening mechanisms while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary lock arms and chamber structures from the buckle design, retaining only the essential coupling function through magnetic attraction between the plug and socket members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If two-handed operation is required for buckle manipulation, then secure fastening is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidbuckle operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling mechanism allows the buckle to be operated with one hand, as the magnetic attraction automatically holds the plug and socket members together without requiring two-handed manipulation of lock arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If complex locking mechanisms are used, then unintentional separation is prevented, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidbuckle manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling mechanism replaces complex locking mechanisms with a simple magnetic attraction system that is easier to manufacture while maintaining connection stability through the magnetic force between plug and socket members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If magnets are mounted in separate components, then article attachment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle attachment capabilityVSAvoidmagnet mounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnet mounting function into the existing plug and socket member structures, using the same magnetic components for both buckle coupling and article attachment purposes, thereby avoiding additional complex mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 buckle provides a simplified, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing solution for adjusting the chest strap height and attaching small articles, enabling convenient one-handed operation and reduced manufacturing complexity, while maintaining stability against unintentional separation.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnet embedded in a middle portion of the plug plane portion, a second magnet embedded in a middle portion of the socket plane portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3183986B1Buckle for chest strap of knapsack

Publication Date: 2018.07.25 PAIK JISOOK

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AI summary

Disclosed is a buckle (5) for a chest strap (320) of a knapsack (300), including a plug member (100) including a plug plane portion (104) formed at a front side of a plug base (101) so as to be connected to the plug base via a plug inner-side slope (105), a plug front-end slope (106) extending forward from the plug plane portion, a first magnet (110) embedded in a middle portion of the plug plane portion, and coupling protrusions (107) protruding from opposite sides of the first magnet, and a socket member (200) including a socket plane portion (204) formed at a front side of a socket base (201) so as to be connected to the socket base (201) via a socket inner-side slope (205), a socket front-end slope (206) extending forward from the socket plane portion, a second magnet (210) embedded in a middle portion of the socket plane portion, and coupling recesses (207) formed in opposite sides of the second magnet so as to correspond to the respective coupling protrusions.