Rotary Buckle Assembly Ejector Mechanism for Uniform Tongue Plate Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipoint harness buckle assemblies lack an ejection mechanism that forcibly ejects tongue plates when unlocked, fails to secure them when locked, and does not ensure uniform and simultaneous ejection of all tongue plates.
Innovation Solution
A rotary buckle assembly with locking dogs, ejector springs, and a disengagement plate that uses springs and bearings to securely engage and uniformly eject all tongue plates, with an elongated anchor dog to maintain assembly security and optional shoulder release plate for selective strap removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single release mechanism is used to unlock all tongue plates simultaneously, then the operation is simplified and faster, but the tongue plates cannot be selectively released and may not be uniformly ejected
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking dogs (first locking dog and second locking dog) that can be selectively engaged and disengaged. Each locking dog controls a specific tongue plate, allowing selective release of individual straps while maintaining others secured, thus resolving the contradiction between simple simultaneous release and selective release capability.
2Device complexity
If tongue plates are simply released without an ejection mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the tongue plates remain in the housing and may not be uniformly ejected
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector springs are pre-loaded in the locked position to be compressed, storing elastic energy. When the locking dogs disengage, the springs automatically expand and push the tongue plates out of the housing in a controlled manner, ensuring uniform ejection without requiring complex additional ejection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector springs automatically engage with the tongue plates and perform the ejection action without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The springs self-activate when the locking dogs release, providing automatic and uniform ejection of all tongue plates simultaneously.
3Reliability
If locking dogs are used to secure tongue plates, then the security and reliability are improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking dogs are merged with the ejector springs in a single integrated assembly. The locking dogs serve dual functions: securing the tongue plates when engaged and working with the ejector springs to uniformly eject all tongue plates simultaneously when disengaged. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining high reliability.
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 mechanism effectively secures and uniformly ejects all tongue plates when unlocked, ensuring the buckle assembly remains secured to one strap while allowing selective release of others, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a series of ejector springs (78) positioned within the housing (24) to securely engage and eject the tongue plates (94)
Implementation Method 2
Each of the locking dogs (36) is interconnected to the inner surface (26) of the second cover (24) by way of a mounting spring (38) to allow downward displacement
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary buckle assembly for a harness. The assembly is adapted to selectively secure or eject the tongue plates for the straps of the harness. Although the invention finds particular application for use with a five point harness, it can be adapted for use with other harness arrangements.