Rigid Plug-In Clasp With Socket Locking for Torsion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt buckles with flexible connectors suffer from unintentional disconnection, durability issues, and insufficient resistance to torsional, tensile, and shear forces, leading to instability and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in clasp design featuring a rigid and inflexible plug with a locking structure and a complementary counter-locking structure on the socket, ensuring a stable and durable connection resistant to unintentional loosening, with a compact and easy-to-use mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible connector is used to enable simple and intuitive detachable connection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional disconnection and breakage during continuous use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional design by making the plug rigid instead of flexible, while the socket contains the flexible locking mechanism. This inversion transfers the flexibility requirement from the load-bearing plug to the socket's locking structure, eliminating the risk of plug breakage while maintaining ease of operation through the socket's flexible locking and release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flexibility requirement into a separate locking mechanism within the socket, distinct from the plug structure. The plug remains a solid, monolithic piece resistant to breakage, while the socket's locking tongue provides the necessary flexibility for operation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its properties independently.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible plug is used to form a detachable snap-in connection, then ease of operation is improved, but durability deteriorates as flexible parts tend to break off during continuous use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent swaps the roles of rigidity and flexibility between plug and socket. The plug is designed as a rigid, breakage-resistant component, while the flexible element is relocated to the socket's locking mechanism. This inversion ensures that the plug cannot break during continuous use, while the socket's flexible tongue provides the necessary operational compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flexible element from the plug and relocates it to the socket. By removing the flexible component from the plug, the design eliminates the source of breakage in the plug while maintaining operational flexibility through the socket's locking tongue. This extraction allows the plug to be a simple, durable structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional plug and socket design is used, then detachable connection is achieved, but resistance to torsional, tensile, and shear forces is insufficient leading to unintentional loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction within the socket, combining a rigid body structure with a flexible locking tongue made of elastomeric material. This composite design allows the socket to provide both strong mechanical support and compliant locking action, creating a connection resistant to torsional, tensile, and shear forces while maintaining easy detachment through intentional actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tongue features a curved, cam-shaped profile that provides mechanical advantage in resisting forces. The cam geometry converts small actuating forces into large locking forces, while the curved surface distributes stress and prevents stress concentration, enhancing resistance to torsional and shear forces.
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 design provides a stable, durable, and torsion-resistant connection that prevents unintentional disengagement, withstands mechanical stress, and allows for easy operation, including machine washing without damage or contamination risk.
Implementation Method 1
a locking structure which is movable against a restoring force and projects into the receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug-in clasp (1) comprising: - a plug (2) with an insertion section (30), - a socket (6) with a receiving section (70) and with a receptacle (69) for receiving the insertion section (30), - wherein the receiving section (70) has an upper side (73), a lower side (77) opposite the upper side (73), and side walls (72, 74) connecting the upper side (73) to the lower side (77) and delimiting the receptacle (69) in a circumferential direction, - wherein a latching structure (80) is provided on the lower side (77), which latching structure is movable against a restoring force and projects into the receptacle (69), - wherein the insertion section (30) is designed to be substantially rigid or inflexible and has a counter-latching structure (40) corresponding to the latching structure (80) on an underside (37) of the insertion section (30).