Rapid Release Device for Wearables with Lateral Sliding Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid release devices for wearable articles, such as bullet-proof vests, require simultaneous two-handed action and a long sliding stroke for decoupling, making it difficult to remove the article quickly and safely, especially in urgent or immobilized conditions, and are prone to accidental detachment under high tensile forces.
Innovation Solution
A rapid release device with a first and second body having a coupling portion with a through cavity and interlocking element that slides laterally, allowing decoupling with a short stroke and single-handed operation, featuring a cylindrical projection and annular projection with a locking crest to prevent rotation and ensure stability, and an elastically deformable actuator for easy manual release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the known rapid release device uses a C-shaped cavity with a protruding element and requiring simultaneous tab lifting and sliding, then the mechanical interlock provides stable engagement, but the device requires two-handed operation and cannot be operated with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sliding action from the release mechanism by providing a release surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal development of the cavity. This allows the protruding element to be disengaged by a simple pulling motion without requiring simultaneous sliding, thereby enabling single-handed operation while maintaining mechanical interlock stability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to slide the portions relative to each other along the longitudinal development of the cavity, the invention inverts the release mechanism so that the release surface is perpendicular to the cavity's longitudinal axis. This inversion allows the protruding element to be extracted by a simple pulling motion rather than a complex sliding motion
2Speed
If the known rapid release device requires sliding portions along the whole longitudinal development of the C cavity, then the mechanical interlock is maintained, but the release stroke is very long and release speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sliding action from the release mechanism by providing a release surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal development of the cavity. This allows the protruding element to be disengaged by a simple pulling motion without requiring simultaneous sliding, thereby enabling single-handed operation while maintaining mechanical interlock stability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to slide the portions relative to each other along the longitudinal development of the cavity, the invention inverts the release mechanism so that the release surface is perpendicular to the cavity's longitudinal axis. This inversion allows the protruding element to be extracted by a simple pulling motion rather than a complex sliding motion, significantly reducing the release stroke length
3Reliability
If the known rapid release device uses a C-shaped cavity with an access opening, then the protruding element can be inserted and removed, but under high tensile forces the element may slide out through the opening causing accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of the access opening into a benefit by providing a release surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal development of the cavity. This perpendicular release surface allows controlled extraction of the protruding element while preventing accidental detachment under high tensile forces, as the element can only be removed by deliberate action on the release surface
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a release surface as an intermediary between the protruding element and the cavity wall. This release surface, being perpendicular to the cavity's longitudinal axis, acts as a controlled extraction path that prevents accidental detachment while allowing intentional release, thereby enhancing both reliability and mechanical interlock strength
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 quick and safe removal of wearable articles with a single hand and reduced gesture amplitude, maintaining structural simplicity and stability under high stresses, while preventing accidental detachment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the two portions is also provided with a manual actuator in the form of a tab or cord, adapted to be pulled along a direction transverse to the coupling/uncoupling direction of the two portions
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid release device (1) for wearable articles (2) comprising: a first body (3) having a portion (3a) for coupling to a first part (2a) of said article (2) and defining at least one through cavity (6); a second body (4) associated with the first body (3) in a reversible manner and having a portion (4a) for coupling to a second part (2b) of said article (2) and at least one interlocking element (7) housed in said cavity (6); release means (8) obtained in said first and second body (3, 4) to allow the interlocking element (7) to slide outside of said cavity (6) and define a decoupling condition of the first body (3) from the second body (4); said interlocking element (7) and said cavity (6) slide with respect to each other along a respective direction (A) corresponding to the lateral development direction of the first and second body (3; 4); said interlocking element (7) and said cavity (6) extending along a same longitudinal axis (Y) for a dimension (D) smaller than the dimension (L) of the first and second body (3; 4) along said lateral development direction.