Removable Cross-Bar Buckle for Webbing Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckle assemblies require time-consuming and skill-intensive procedures for replacement, as the webbing must be cut and reattached when a buckle component is damaged, disrupting the secure connection with support surfaces like backpacks or clothing.
Innovation Solution
A latching buckle assembly featuring a removable cross-bar that allows the attachment strap to be disengaged for easy replacement, with a displaceable pin mechanism enabling secure attachment and flexible operation by rotating relative to the strap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed cross-bar is used in the buckle body, then secure attachment of the webbing is achieved, but replacement of damaged components requires cutting and reattaching the webbing
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-bar is divided into a fixed portion attached to the buckle body and a removable portion that can be detached. This segmentation allows the webbing to remain permanently attached to the buckle body while the removable cross-bar portion can be easily replaced without cutting the webbing, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cross-bar portion is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the fixed buckle body structure. This extraction allows the cross-bar to be removed and replaced independently while leaving the webbing permanently secured to the buckle body, eliminating the need to cut and reattach webbing during repairs.
2Reliability
If the webbing is permanently sewn to the support surface, then secure connection is maintained, but replacement of the buckle requires substantial skill and time
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle assembly is segmented into permanent components (buckle body with sewn webbing) and replaceable components (cross-bar). This allows the time-consuming webbing attachment to be performed only once during initial assembly, while subsequent replacements involve only the simple insertion/removal of the cross-bar, dramatically reducing replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing is preliminarily and permanently attached to the buckle body during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action eliminates the need to repeatedly attach/detach webbing during replacements, reducing replacement time to merely inserting or removing the cross-bar component.
3Reliability
If a unitary construction buckle is used, then excellent connection during use is provided, but any damage requires complete replacement of the buckle member
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary buckle is segmented into a permanent buckle body and a removable cross-bar portion. This allows only the damaged cross-bar to be replaced while retaining the intact buckle body and webbing, reducing replacement complexity from complete buckle replacement to simple component swap.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the damaged cross-bar portion is discarded and replaced, while the undamaged buckle body and webbing are recovered and retained. This selective replacement approach maintains connection quality while dramatically simplifying the replacement procedure compared to replacing the entire unitary buckle.
Data Source
AI summary
A latching buckle assembly wherein one buckle component includes a removable cross-bar adapted to receive an attachment strap in looped relation. The cross-bar is adapted to hold the attachment strap in place during use while permitting free relative rotation. When the cross-bar is removed, the webbing can be disengaged from the buckle member to facilitate replacement if required.