Magnetic Buckle with Sliding Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional buckles, especially the closed type, are difficult to lock and unlock due to complex structures, have weak fastening force, and can be easily released unintentionally, posing safety risks and manufacturing cost challenges.

Innovation Solution

A buckle design featuring a male and female buckle member with integrated magnets and sliding locking/unlocking mechanisms, including a releasing rotation plate and elastic member, allowing for easy one-handed operation and secure fastening with rapid release capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional closed type buckle is used, then the fastening force is maintained, but the buckle is difficult to lock and unlock due to complex structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of locking and unlockingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buckle is divided into distinct functional components: a body member with locking protrusions, a strap member with locking grooves, and a pressing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining structural integrity and fastening force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a conventional closed type buckle is used, then the fastening force is maintained, but the buckle can be easily released unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to unintended releaseVSAvoidease of release when needed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's action and the locking/protrusions. When pressed, it transfers force to slide the strap member relative to the body member, enabling controlled release. This intermediary ensures the buckle only releases when intentional pressure is applied, preventing accidental release while allowing easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buckle employs a dynamic sliding mechanism where the strap member can move relative to the body member along the pressing direction. This dynamic interaction between the locking grooves and protrusions allows the buckle to transition between locked and released states based on applied force, providing reliability during normal use and ease of release when pressed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If magnets are integrated into the buckle members, then secure fastening is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnets are integrated directly into the body member and strap member structures, merging the magnetic fastening function with the mechanical structure. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate magnetic components or additional assembly steps, thereby maintaining secure fastening while avoiding increased manufacturing complexity.

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 secure fastening without unintended release, easy one-handed operation, and rapid unlocking in emergencies, enhancing usability and safety while simplifying the locking and unlocking process.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnet received in the middle part of the male buckle member; a second magnet received in the middle part of the female buckle member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3738460B1buckle
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 WOOJIN PLASTIC
  • EP3738460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3738460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3738460B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a buckle including: a male buckle member (100); a female buckle member (200); locking and unlocking means locked and unlocked by a relative sliding action of the male buckle member (100) and the female buckle member (200); and a releasing means for unlocking the locking and unlocking means by sliding the male buckle member (100) and the female buckle (200) member in a release direction. The buckle further comprises a first magnet (101) embedded in the male buckle member (100) and a second magnet (201) embedded in the female buckle member (200).