One-Piece Buckle with Opposing Protuberances for Secure Strap Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strap fastening devices, particularly one-piece buckles, fail to securely keep straps in place due to lack of force retention, leading to frequent disengagement issues, and their manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece strap fastening apparatus with opposing protuberances that apply forces in opposite directions to securely hold straps, featuring a central plate with medially and laterally extending protuberances, allowing for reversible engagement with strap holes to prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-piece buckle design is used, then manufacturing is simplified and device complexity is reduced, but the strap can come loose from the central barb due to lack of force retention
Solution Approach 1:
The single barb is segmented into multiple barbs (first barb, second barb, third barb) arranged in a triangular pattern. This segmentation allows each barb to independently engage with the strap, distributing the retention forces across multiple contact points rather than relying on a single central barb, thereby improving strap retention while maintaining the one-piece design.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbs are arranged in a triangular pattern rather than a linear or radial configuration. This geometric arrangement creates a stable three-point engagement system that prevents the strap from slipping off in any direction, adding dimensional stability to the retention mechanism while keeping the buckle as a single integrated piece.
2Ease of operation
If movable barbs are used, then loop creation and adjustment is facilitated, but the movable barb can become loose and break free from the buckle through repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle design eliminates the need for movable parts by using a static multi-barb configuration. The strap itself serves the function of both the fastening element and the adjustment mechanism - the user simply threads the strap through the retaining loops and positions it to achieve the desired loop size, and the multiple barbs automatically provide retention without requiring mechanical adjustment components.
3Reliability
If multiple pieces are assembled to create a buckle, then strap retention can be improved, but manufacturing becomes more complicated involving casting and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements (central plate, multiple barbs, retaining loops) that would traditionally be separate components are merged into a single monolithic structure. The buckle is formed as one continuous piece through casting or molding, eliminating the need for assembly operations while maintaining all the retention features needed for secure strap fastening.
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, the invention provides a one-piece buckle having a protuberance extending in a first direction and at least a second protuberance extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. Also provided is a method for fastening two portions of strap having the steps of mating a protuberance on a buckle with a first set of coaxial holes in a first and second strap portion, wherein the protuberance extends in a first direction, and mating at least one protuberance with a second set of coaxial holes in the first and second strap portions, wherein the at least one protuberance extends in a second direction opposite the first direction.