Ratchet Buckle Strap Fastening for Adjustable Binding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening systems for wearables, such as footwear, suffer from limitations including low binding force and difficulty of use, with systems like laces, straps, belts, and hook-and-loop mechanisms being inefficient and prone to damage or discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A ratchet-based fastening system comprising a buckle assembly and a strap, where the strap passes through the buckle assembly, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement, and can be manipulated using digits to tighten or loosen without fully releasing tension, featuring a lifter and pawls for secure and intuitive adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fastening systems (laces, straps, belts, buckles) are used, then the fastening function is provided, but the binding force is low and the system is fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into discrete modular components: a strap with multiple teeth and a buckle assembly with corresponding pawls. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength and durability while maintaining overall system reliability. The modular design eliminates the fragility of conventional integrated fasteners by distributing mechanical loads across multiple discrete engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system employs composite construction combining rigid elements (teeth, pawls, buckle housing) with flexible elements (strap). This composite approach provides both the structural strength needed for high binding force and the flexibility required for reliable operation. The rigid components resist deformation under load while the flexible strap absorbs stress, preventing catastrophic failure.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fastening systems are used, then the fastening function is provided, but the difficulty of use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system incorporates self-aligning features where the teeth and pawls automatically engage without precise manual positioning. The ratchet mechanism provides self-locking engagement, eliminating the need for complex tying or buckling actions. Users simply insert the strap and the system self-adjusts to the appropriate tension level, dramatically simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle assembly includes movable components that dynamically adjust during operation. The pawls can freely engage with teeth during insertion but require only minimal force to disengage when released. This dynamic behavior allows the system to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked states, reducing the operational force and complexity required compared to static fastening mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the strap is fully released from the buckle assembly, then the fastening is completely removed, but tension is lost and re-tightening is required
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism allows partial disengagement of the strap from the buckle assembly without complete separation. Users can release just enough tension to adjust the fit while maintaining residual engagement, enabling quick micro-adjustments without full re-fastening. This partial action capability saves time by eliminating the need to completely re-tighten the fastening for minor adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains preliminary engagement between the strap and buckle components even during adjustment phases. The teeth and pawls remain partially connected, preserving the basic fastening structure while allowing tension modification. This preliminary maintained engagement prevents complete loss of tension and eliminates the need for time-consuming re-tightening operations.
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
The system provides a low-cost, robust, and easy-to-use solution with adjustable binding strength, ensuring secure fastening and easy manipulation, suitable for various applications including footwear and industrial uses.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, such as a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system for an object (e.g., a wearable such as footwear) is disclosed that includes a buckle assembly and a strap for adjusting tension. The buckle assembly includes a base and a slider engaged with the base. The strap includes an array of teeth to engage with a pawl formed on the base. The fastening system is configurable between an engaged condition and a released condition based on the positioning of the slider relative to the base.