Releasable Buckle Coupling for Modular Retail Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular releasable coupling systems fail to provide optimal performance characteristics, such as modularity, intuitive operation, maximum durability, and minimum weight, particularly for retail applications, and often require unattractive complex coupling methods without buckles for selective coupling and spacing.
Innovation Solution
A releasable coupling system comprising a buckle that can be efficiently coupled to a base via a lengthwise member, allowing translation along the member while maintaining releasable coupling, with components designed for durability and resistance to compression forces, and incorporating intuitive operation through hooking regions and recesses for easy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular releasable coupling systems are used, then modularity and component intercoupling are achieved, but the coupling method becomes complex and non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into distinct functional segments: a buckle component with hooking regions for attachment, a lengthwise member for positioning, and a base for support. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized function, making the overall system more intuitive to operate while maintaining modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle is designed to be self-positioning on the lengthwise member through its hooking regions, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures. The system serves itself by automatically achieving proper coupling configuration when the buckle is placed on the lengthwise member, simplifying the operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional modular releasable coupling systems are used, then component intercoupling is enabled, but the system requires numerous unattractive horizontal straps
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a coupling mechanism and a spacing element, and can be positioned at various locations along the lengthwise member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate horizontal straps, reducing the number of components while maintaining intercoupling capability and improving appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of coupling and spacing into a single buckle component, and combines the positioning function with the coupling function. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, eliminating unattractive horizontal straps while maintaining full intercoupling functionality.
3Reliability
If conventional releasable coupling systems are used, then basic coupling function is achieved, but durability and force tolerance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system utilizes composite construction with a buckle made from durable material that can withstand significant force, combined with a lengthwise member and base that provide structural support. This composite approach ensures both durability and high force tolerance for the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooking regions of the buckle are designed with curved geometries that allow for progressive engagement and distribution of forces. This curved design enables the buckle to withstand higher forces while maintaining durability, as the curved surfaces distribute mechanical stresses more effectively than sharp angles.
4Reliability
If conventional releasable coupling systems are used, then coupling function is provided, but weight is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from conventional coupling systems, such as separate horizontal straps and complex adjustment mechanisms. By taking out these redundant elements and retaining only the essential buckle, lengthwise member, and base components, the system achieves minimal weight while maintaining full coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle is designed as a multi-functional component that performs coupling, spacing, and positioning functions simultaneously. This universality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, thereby minimizing the total system weight while maintaining reliable coupling function.
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable coupling system comprising a base, a lengthwise member, and a buckle. The lengthwise member is fixably coupled to the base parallel to the lengthwise dimension and substantially medial with respect to the widthwise dimension. The buckle comprises a planar surface and a first and second hooked region extending from the planar surface oriented opposite one another. The first and second hooked regions and the planar surface define a partially enclosed region corresponding to the widthwise dimension and the base rise dimension of the lengthwise member. A gap in the partially enclosed region corresponds to a coupling between the lengthwise member and the base.