Pivoting Buckle Attachment for Accessible Multi-Function Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing buckle systems with embedded accessories face challenges such as difficulty in locating and opening the device, especially in dark or inaccessible conditions, and compromise the strength and stability of the buckle.

Innovation Solution

A buckle system with a secondary device that is pivotally connected to the primary device, allowing for easy detection and operation of the secondary device without interfering with the primary device's functionality, and maintaining the strength and stability of the buckle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the secondary device is embedded within the primary device, then the device integrates multiple functions, but the user cannot easily locate and open the device in dark or inaccessible conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidease of locating and opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary device is nested within a recess of the primary device when not in use, allowing it to be stored compactly without interfering with the primary device's function. When needed, the secondary device can be easily accessed by pulling it outward from the recess, providing both integration and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the secondary device is embedded within the primary device, then the device integrates multiple functions, but the strength and stability of the buckle are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functionalityVSAvoidstrength and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate but connected devices: the primary device (buckle) and the secondary device (whistle or other accessory). The secondary device is pivotally connected to the primary device, allowing it to be attached and detached independently. This segmentation allows the primary device to maintain its full structural integrity and strength while still providing multi-functionality through the attachable secondary device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the secondary device is pivotally connected to the primary device, then the secondary device can be easily accessed and replaced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessing and replacingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary device is pivotally connected to the primary device, allowing it to rotate between a stored position (within the recess) and a usable position (extended outward). This dynamic connection enables the secondary device to be easily accessed and replaced without complex mechanisms, while maintaining a simple overall structure when in the stored position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3678508B1Attachment system with a connected article
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 DURAFLEX HONG KONG
  • EP3678508B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3678508B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3678508B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

A attachment system is formed by a primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) and a secondary device (40) connected to the primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) in a pivoting manner. The primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) has a main body, two lateral sides (27, 62, 71, 88, 91) and a bar (51, 52, 63, 73) for attaching the primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) to another object. Each of the lateral sides (27, 62, 71, 88, 91) has a protrusion (29, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99) extending laterally outward from the lateral sides (27, 62, 71, 88, 91). The secondary device (40) has two lateral sides (42), each equipped with an aperture (43) that corresponds to one of the protrusions (29, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99) on the primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90), so that fitting the protrusions (29, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99) into the apertures (43) pivotally connects the primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) to the secondary device (40), with the lateral sides (42) of the secondary device being disposed outside of the lateral sides (27, 62, 71, 88, 91) of the primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90). The secondary device (40) can be pivoted between a folded position where the secondary device (40) lies against the primary device (20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90), and an open position where the secondary device (40) is raised up.