Quick Release Buckle with Integrated PCB Electrical Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current body armor vests with electrical components face difficulties in quickly releasing electrical connections and cables during emergencies, leading to potential entanglement and delays in removing the vest, especially in water or medical situations, where time is critical.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electrical connection mechanism within the buckle system that breaks simultaneously with the mechanical release, allowing the vest to detach while disconnecting electrical connections and cables, utilizing a quick release buckle design with printed circuit board elements and a cable actuator to ensure seamless disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a quick release cable system is used to allow the vest to fall off during emergencies, then the mechanical release speed is improved, but the electrical connectors and cables become entangled and prevent complete separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical buckle release system and electrical connector separation system into a single integrated quick release mechanism. When the release cable is pulled, it simultaneously actuates both the mechanical buckle release and the electrical connector release, ensuring that both separate at the same time without entanglement. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by making the electrical connector separation as automatic and simultaneous as the mechanical release.
2Ease of operation
If electrical connectors are designed to separate at 10-15 pounds of pull force, then the connectors can be detached, but the vest may not release completely due to higher retention forces needed for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the release function into two independent but simultaneously actuated subsystems: the mechanical buckle release and the electrical connector release. Each subsystem is designed with its own release mechanism and force requirements. The mechanical buckle is designed for secure attachment with higher retention force, while the electrical connectors are designed with lower separation force (10-15 pounds). The integrated cable system segments the release action into simultaneous but independent events, allowing each component to release at its optimal force level without compromising the other's performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vest includes integrated electrical connections for radios and other devices, then gear functionality is maintained, but the complexity of the release system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal quick release cable system that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it releases mechanical buckles, separates electrical connectors, and enables complete vest removal. This single cable system is designed to actuate multiple release mechanisms throughout the vest structure, providing a multi-functional solution that maintains electrical device integration while avoiding the need for separate release systems for each component. The universal design reduces overall system complexity despite the added electrical integration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a buckle system including a male subassembly and female subassembly that are designed to mate with one another. The male subassembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) that may mate with an electrical connector within the female subassembly, thus completing a circuit for providing power to an electronic device when the subassemblies are mated. The male subassembly is connected to a cable portion that, when pulled with sufficient force, causes the male subassembly and its PCB to disengage the female subassembly and its electrical connector. The PCB and electrical connector may also be connected within standard side-release male and female subassemblies, respectively, for use in standard side-release buckles.