Multi-Glide Snap Hook Locking for Inadvertent Opening Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking snap hook fasteners are often overly complicated with additional parts and require complex assembly, making them prone to inadvertent opening, which compromises security.
Innovation Solution
A multi-glide locking snap hook fastener with a multipart channel design that requires multiple distinct movements to open, eliminating the need for separate locking pins or collars, featuring a curved hook, base with a longitudinal bore, and a gate that moves longitudinally and rotatably within the bore through various channel segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional locking pins or collars are added to prevent inadvertent opening, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism and security features into a single integrated gate structure. The gate combines a closing member with integrated locking surfaces that engage with corresponding features in the channel, eliminating the need for separate locking pins or collars. This integration maintains high security while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it closes the fastener, locks it in place, and prevents inadvertent opening. The closing member integrates the functions of a latch and locking mechanism into one component, allowing the fastener to achieve secure locking without additional specialized parts.
2Reliability
If multiple parts and additional assembly are used, then locking security is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed as an integrated assembly where the gate, closing member, and locking features are formed as single pieces. The body, channel, and gate can be manufactured separately using standard processes and assembled in a single operation, greatly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into two main manufacturable components: a body with an integrated channel and a separate gate assembly. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while ensuring easy assembly through the natural alignment of the gate with the channel and bore.
3Ease of operation
If a simple single-movement mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to easy inadvertent opening
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is designed to move dynamically through a defined path in the multipart channel, transitioning between closed and open positions. The channel geometry guides the gate's movement, ensuring that opening requires deliberate action to traverse the full channel path, while closing remains simple through spring bias and geometric alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The multipart channel acts as an intermediary mechanism between the gate and the locking action. The channel's segmented geometry with multiple orientations requires the gate to follow a specific multi-stage path, providing inherent security against inadvertent opening while maintaining ease of deliberate operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-glide locking snap hook fastener is disclosed which includes a fastener body and a gate closure. The body includes a curved hook and a base, with the base including a longitudinal bore and a multipart channel extending radially into the bore. The multipart channel includes a first channel segment extending along or across a first part of the base, and a second channel segment extending along or across a second part of the base, with the second channel segment offset at a first angle from the first channel segment. The gate closure is arranged within the bore and includes an elongated shaft and a grip extending from the elongated shaft and into the multipart channel, with the gate moveable both longitudinally and rotatably within the bore. Several different closed configurations are provided, requiring several different and distinct movements to fully open the fastener.