Magnetic Harness Buckle for One-Handed Secure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child safety seat harness buckles require complex operations with two hands, making it difficult to securely connect or disconnect an infant, especially when the infant is moving or resisting.
Innovation Solution
A buckle with a base part and latch part featuring a releasable latching mechanism using magnetic elements that urge parts into engagement during connection and apart during disconnection, facilitated by a moveable slide part with bi-directional movement and biased resilient elements for easy one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional harness belt connectors are used, then secure connection is achieved, but operation complexity increases requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connector mechanisms with a magnetic field-based latching system. Magnetic elements in the base part interact with magnetic elements in the latch part to automatically engage and secure the connection, eliminating the need for complex mechanical operations while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latching mechanism automatically engages when the buckle parts are brought together, without requiring manual manipulation of complex mechanisms. The magnetic attraction force self-aligns and secures the connection, making the system self-servicing during the connection process.
2Reliability
If complex connectors are used to join harness straps, then secure connection is achieved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes time-consuming mechanical manipulation with instantaneous magnetic field interaction. The magnetic elements create immediate attraction forces that guide and secure the connection in a single motion, dramatically reducing operation time while ensuring secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements are pre-positioned in the base part and latch part to create predetermined magnetic field patterns. When the buckle parts approach each other, the pre-configured magnetic fields immediately guide the alignment and engagement, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during operation.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic elements are added to the latching mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic fields to replace complex mechanical spring-loaded or cam-based latching mechanisms. The magnetic elements create automatic attraction and holding forces without requiring additional mechanical components, actuators, or adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the alignment of buckle parts during approach, provide the latching force to secure the connection, and maintain the held state without additional components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical systems for each function.
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 secure, easy-to-use, and durable connection/disconnection mechanism that can be operated with one hand, enhancing safety and convenience when securing or removing an infant from a child safety seat.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic elements arranged to urge the base part and the latch part into engagement during the connection operation
Implementation Method 2
magnetic elements arranged to urge the base part and the latch part apart during the disconnection operation
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for joining two parts has a base with a post and a latch part with a receptacle for receiving the post. The post includes a magnetic element. A magnetic slide having two magnetic elements of opposite polarity is moveably disposed on the latch part and includes a mechanical latching slide disposed thereon. Movement of the magnetic slide aligns the magnetic elements in either an attractive or repulsive alignment with the post magnetic element. Magnetic slide movement into the repulsive alignment also moves the latching slide to release engagement with the base part and allow magnetic repulsion to urge the post out of engagement with the receptacle.