Metal Side-Release Buckle With Interlocking Spring And Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-piece side-release buckles face challenges when made of metal, as the locking legs lack sufficient spring elasticity, leading to difficulties in insertion and increased risk of damage due to unrestricted movement of the locking legs.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece side-release buckle design featuring separate locking legs pivotably connected to a main body with a spring attached between them, providing tension and stability, allowing the use of inflexible materials like metal while preventing excessive flexing of the locking legs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If locking legs are formed as one piece with the male part, then the structure is simpler, but the locking legs lack sufficient spring elasticity when made of metal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking legs are separated from the male part and formed as independent components. This segmentation allows the locking legs to be made of metal with appropriate elastic properties while the male part can be made of other materials. The separate construction enables the locking legs to have dedicated spring elasticity without compromising the overall structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If locking legs are hinged to the male buckle body with a plastic spring, then sufficient elasticity is provided, but the locking legs can move outward along the full extent of the hinge point
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the locking legs and the male part. The cam surface guides the locking legs during insertion, controlling their outward movement. As the male part is inserted, the cam surface progressively pushes the locking legs outward in a controlled manner, preventing unrestricted movement while maintaining the elastic function of the spring.
3Reliability
If locking legs are allowed to move outward freely, then the spring can provide sufficient elasticity, but the risk of damage to both parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides preliminary control over the locking legs' outward movement before insertion occurs. By pre-establishing the cam surface geometry, the design anticipates and prevents excessive outward movement that could cause damage. The cam surface is designed to limit the maximum outward displacement of the locking legs, thereby preventing damage to both the male and female parts while still allowing sufficient elastic movement for proper 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 design ensures efficient operation and durability by maintaining the locking legs in a tensioned position without excessive flexing, facilitating easy insertion and release while preventing damage, and allowing for proper alignment and secure locking with a female buckle portion.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed between the two locking legs, the spring being attached to both of the locking legs. The spring exerts a force on the locking legs when they are pressed together by a user. The spring keeps the locking legs in an outwardly tensioned position
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle has a main body, a strap retaining bar connected to the main body, two locking legs formed as separate pieces from the main body and pivotably connected to the main body; and a spring formed of two L-shaped sections disposed between the two locking legs. The spring is attached to both of the locking legs, and exerts a force against the locking legs when they are pressed inward toward each other. The spring keeps the locking legs in an outwardly tensioned position, but does not let the legs flex outwardly in an unlimited manner, since the spring is directly connected to the legs. The spring allows the main body and locking legs to be formed of an inflexible material, such as metal. The locking legs are separate pieces from the main body and are connected to the main body via a pivot pin or other hinged mechanism.