Quick Release Strap With Stiffener And Rigid Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release strap systems for securing hand-held items are often cumbersome, requiring significant force and time to deploy, and may snag or cause damage to stored items, particularly in emergency situations where swift retrieval is critical.
Innovation Solution
A modular, customizable strap system featuring a primary strap with a hook-and-loop fastener and a secondary strap affixed to a rigid ring, allowing for secure storage and rapid deployment of items by using mechanical fasteners and stiffeners to minimize effort and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing quick-release strap systems are used, then items can be secured for storage and transport, but significant force and time are required to deploy them
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is divided into two separate straps: a primary strap that secures the item to the container, and a secondary strap with a thumb-break mechanism that can be quickly released. This segmentation allows the securement function to remain robust while the release function becomes simple and fast.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism (thumb-break) is extracted as a separate, dedicated component on the secondary strap, independent from the main securing function. This allows the release action to be simplified and isolated from the complexity of the primary strap's securing mechanism.
2Reliability
If existing quick-release strap systems are used, then items can be restrained, but they may snag or cause damage to stored items
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the strap system have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the primary strap uses smooth, flat surfaces that contact the item to prevent snagging, while the secondary strap's thumb-break mechanism is positioned and designed to minimize interference with stored items. Each component's local characteristics are tailored to its role.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid ring serves as an intermediary element between the secondary strap and the container, providing a fixed anchor point that prevents the strap from twisting or snagging on items. The ring's smooth, rigid structure mediates the mechanical forces without creating sharp edges or irregular surfaces that could damage stored objects.
3Speed
If thumb-break mechanisms are used, then quick release is possible, but they require significant force and time to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb-break mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition from a locked state to an unlocked state with minimal force. The break mechanism uses a snap-action design where a small initial force triggers a rapid release, converting a small input force into a fast deployment action.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb-break mechanism utilizes vibrational or oscillatory motion during the release process, where the breaking action creates a rapid mechanical vibration that facilitates quick separation of the strap components. This vibrational effect accelerates the release process and reduces the time and force required for deployment.
4Productivity
If conventional strap systems are used, then items can be secured, but swift retrieval is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary strap with the thumb-break mechanism is pre-configured and positioned to enable immediate release action. The mechanism is designed so that the release action is the final, simple step in a pre-prepared system, eliminating the need for complex manipulation or sequential operations during retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb-break mechanism is designed to be self-actuating, where the user's thumb directly triggers the release without requiring additional tools, complex hand movements, or assistance from other components. The system serves itself by converting a simple biological action (thumb pressure) into the mechanical release function.
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 swift, secure, and effortless retrieval of hand-held items, reducing the risk of delay or damage during deployment, making it superior to thumb-break mechanisms and other prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
The primary strap includes at the top side, proximate the rear end thereof, a first part of a first two-part mechanical fastener. The top side of the primary strap also includes a second part of the first two-part mechanical fastener. In some preferred embodiments, the first two-part mechanical fastener is a hook-and-loop type fastener.
Implementation Method 2
The primary strap further includes at the bottom side, proximate the front end thereof, a first part of a second two-part mechanical fastener. In some preferred embodiments, the second two-part mechanical fastener is a mechanical snap.
Implementation Method 3
The bottom side of the secondary strap is fixed with the second object. In some preferred embodiments, the secondary strap is affixed with the second object by a stitched thread.
Data Source
AI summary
A strap system is disclosed that has elongated primary and secondary straps, each having top and bottom sides, front and rear ends, and peripheral edges. The top side of the primary strap includes a first two-part mechanical fastener. The front end of the bottom side of the primary strap has a first part of a second two-part mechanical fastener, from which a stiffener extends forward. The bottom side of the secondary strap is fixed with the second object. The secondary strap also includes at the front end of the bottom side a second part of the second two-part mechanical fastener, and includes at the rear end a loop fixed about a rigid ring.