Omega-Shaped Buckle Bridge Tangential Arm Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buckles with U-shaped bridges suffer from reduced sturdiness due to shear forces when external forces cause the arms to move apart, leading to instability in the connection between the arms and bridge.
Innovation Solution
A buckle design featuring flexible arms with a bridge that projects tangentially along a circular path centered on the arm's base, equal radii for both arms, and an Omega-shaped bridge to distribute tensile forces and reduce shear stress, while maintaining latching functionality and restricting excessive deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the bridge and arm are connected with an acute angle at the connecting portion, then the device complexity is reduced, but shear force arises when external force is applied, reducing the strength and reliability of the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the connecting portion from an acute angle to a right angle configuration. The bridge is designed to extend perpendicular to the arm surface, creating a right angle at the connecting portion. This parameter change eliminates shear force generation when external forces are applied, as the force transmission becomes purely axial rather than combined axial and shear, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple structure and connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curvature by forming the bridge to extend along a tangential direction of a circle centered on the base end of the arm. This curved configuration allows the bridge to follow the natural arc of arm movement, ensuring that the connecting portion maintains a right angle orientation throughout the range of motion. The curvature enables the bridge to project toward the other arm while maintaining optimal force transmission geometry, resolving the strength issue without excessive complexity
2Strength
If the bridge projects tangentially along a circular path, then shear force is suppressed and strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the precision requirement specifically at the connecting portion where the bridge meets the arm, rather than requiring precision throughout the entire structure. The bridge is designed with a specific right angle orientation at its connection point to the arm, while other portions can have more tolerance. This localized precision approach maintains the shear force elimination benefit while reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The curved, tangential configuration of the bridge along a circular path centered on the arm's base end provides geometric self-alignment. As the arm moves along its arc, the bridge naturally maintains its right angle orientation at the connecting portion due to its curved geometry. This self-aligning curved design reduces the need for high-precision assembly while maintaining the strength benefits of the right angle connection
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle includes a male member including a base part and a pair of flexible arms extending from the base part, and a female member including an insertion hole formed at one end portion thereof. The pair of flexible arms is inserted in the insertion hole. The base part contacts the one end portion when the male member engages the female member. An outer face portion of each of the pair of flexible arms has a shape curving outwardly at a middle portion thereof relative to an insertion direction of the pair of flexible arms, and the pair of flexible arms is provisionally fastened to the female member when the pair of flexible arm is inserted in the insertion hole.