Pivoting Retention Tab Mechanism for One-Handed Strap Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strap retaining devices for personal protective equipment, such as respirators, lack efficient mechanisms for quickly and easily adjusting strap length, often requiring complex operations or tools, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially for users wearing gloves or needing one-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A strap retaining device featuring a frame with a pivotally connected retention tab and a first actuation arm comprising a movable ramp that transitions from a neutral to an actuated position, allowing the retention tab to move perpendicular to the actuation plane, facilitating easy strap adjustment by simply squeezing the actuation arms, enabling one-handed operation and straightforward lengthening or loosening of straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional strap retention devices are used, then the device provides basic strap holding function, but the adjustment mechanism is complex and requires multiple steps or tools
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a movable retention member with engagement features, a frame with guide surfaces, and an actuation member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (holding, guiding, releasing) independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to manually manipulate the retention member directly, the patent inverts the control mechanism by using an actuation member that pushes the retention member through engagement with the frame. This inversion transforms a complex manual manipulation task into a simple push operation.
2Loss of time
If traditional buckle mechanisms are used, then the device provides strap retention, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and inconvenient for users wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically interact with the frame's guide surfaces and actuation member. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the user actuates the mechanism, the adjustment occurs immediately without requiring additional steps or manual manipulation, reducing adjustment time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed so that the actuation member automatically engages with the retention member and frame structure, causing the retention member to move along the guide surface and release or secure the strap without requiring the user to manually manipulate the retention member itself. This self-service design makes operation trivial even for users wearing gloves.
3Reliability
If simple retention mechanisms are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the mechanism lacks reliability and may fail after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is designed to move dynamically between retained and released positions along a defined path on the frame. This dynamic movement along a guide surface ensures consistent engagement and disengagement, preventing binding or jamming that would compromise reliability, while the movement is initiated by a simple actuation action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by having the retention member move along a guide surface on the frame rather than simply opening and closing in one dimension. This dimensional change creates a more stable engagement path that reduces wear and increases reliability, while the actuation remains simple because it only requires pushing the retention member in the direction of the guide surface.
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 solution allows for quick and easy adjustment of strap length, enhancing user convenience, particularly for those wearing gloves, and provides a robust, reliable mechanism that can be actuated numerous times without failure, ensuring secure and comfortable fit throughout the device's usable life.
Implementation Method 1
the first actuation element is a ramp, and the first actuation element contacts an angled surface of the retention tab in the actuated position
Data Source
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AI summary
A strap retaining device having an actuation arm that may engage a retaining tab is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the strap retaining device includes a frame, a retention tab pivotally connected to the frame, and an actuation arm connected to the frame and having a first actuation element movable towards the retention tab from a neutral position to an actuated. The first actuation ramp is movable in a first plane to cause the retention tab to move in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.