Quick-Release Leash Coupling for One-Handed Locking and Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leashes used in sports like surfing and kiteboarding, as well as for dogs and equipment, lack a quick and one-handed release mechanism, making it difficult to disconnect and reconnect, especially in challenging conditions or emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A quick release leash system featuring a flexible line with a male quick release coupling at both ends, a locking pin mechanism, and a biasing member like a bungee cord, allowing for single-handed release and reset, with a wedge-shaped design for easy operation even with gloved hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Velcro cuff is used to attach and remove a surf leash, then the leash can be securely attached to the ankle or wrist, but it requires two hands to reset the ankle strap and is difficult to operate while surfing or kiteboarding
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a male member with aperture and a female receiver with locking pin passage. This segmentation allows the locking pin to engage independently through the aperture, enabling secure attachment that can be operated with one hand while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically biases the locking pin toward the female receiver, causing the locking pin to engage with the aperture without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism allows secure attachment to occur automatically when the male member is inserted into the female receiver, eliminating the need for two-handed operation
2Reliability
If a Velcro strap is used for leash attachment, then the leash can be connected to the user, but finding and peeling the Velcro tab is difficult in water or when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin acts as an intermediary mechanism between the male member and female receiver. Instead of directly manipulating Velcro tabs with gloved fingers, the user simply inserts the male member into the female receiver and the locking pin automatically engages through the aperture, providing reliable connection that is easy to operate even with gloves
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical Velcro peeling action is replaced with a simpler insertion and automatic locking mechanism. The biasing member provides the necessary mechanical force to engage the locking pin, substituting the complex finger manipulation of Velcro with a straightforward push-and-lock action that works with gloves
3Ease of operation
If the locking pin can be freely withdrawn from the locking pin passage, then the male member can be easily released, but the locking pin may become detached from the coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The travel limiter is pre-positioned in the female receiver to define the maximum travel distance of the locking pin. This preliminary action ensures that when the locking pin is pushed or pulled, it cannot exceed the predetermined limit, preventing detachment while allowing sufficient travel for engagement and release of the male member
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient one-handed quick release and reset of the leash, enhancing safety in sports and simplifying attachment and detachment in various applications, including pet leashes and equipment mounting.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is mounted to the housing biasing the locking pin toward the female receiver to bring the first end of the locking pin into engagement with the aperture of the male member
Implementation Method 2
A travel limiter is provided between the housing and the locking pin. The travel limiter limits travel of the locking pin to prevent the locking pin from being withdrawn from the locking pin passage
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release leash which includes a flexible leash line that terminates in a male member of a quick release coupling. The quick release coupling has a female receiver which receives the male member in mating relation. A locking pin passage that intersects the female receiver. The male member of the quick release coupling has an aperture. A locking pin is axially movable in the locking pin passage and is biased by a biasing member into engagement with the aperture of the male member. When a force is exerted upon a manual release sufficient to overcome the biasing force of biasing member, the first end of the locking pin is withdrawn from the aperture of the male member and the male member is released. This quick release leash was developed as a safety device for water sports to quickly release a person from their board, but has wider application.