Rotatable Locking Pins Buckle Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckle release systems often require excessive force to operate, especially when under load, and can experience premature or accidental releases due to aerodynamic and inertial forces, posing safety hazards in extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A buckle release mechanism featuring a locking mechanism with rotatable locking pins, cams, and a leaf or torsion spring system that reduces the force required for release and prevents accidental unlocking, allowing operation under load with a failsafe design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional slide mechanism is used to release the buckle, then the structure is simple, but excessive force is required to move the slide especially when under load
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically change orientation. When the lever is actuated, the pins rotate to align their cam surfaces with the lever, enabling the spring force to effectively push the striker plate and release the buckle even under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism uses a spring that stores and releases energy in a periodic manner. The spring is compressed during normal operation and then releases its stored energy when the locking pins are rotated, providing a periodic force assist that reduces the manual force needed for release.
2Reliability
If a lock lever is used to prevent unintended release, then safety is improved, but the lock lever may encounter aerodynamic and inertial forces causing premature release
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adapt to forces applied to the lever. When aerodynamic or inertial forces act on the lever, the pins can rotate to align their cam surfaces, maintaining reliable locking engagement without premature release.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surfaces on the locking pins convert the potential harmful effect of lever movement into a beneficial self-aligning mechanism. When forces are applied to the lever, the cam surfaces guide the pins to rotate into the optimal locking position, transforming external disturbances into enhanced locking reliability.
3Reliability
If the buckle is designed to be secure under load, then reliability is improved, but the force required to release the buckle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are made rotatable to dynamically change their engagement orientation. Under load, the pins can rotate to align their cam surfaces with the lever, allowing the spring-assisted release mechanism to effectively counteract the load and enable easy release even when the buckle is securely locked under tension.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the locking pins and the striker plate. The spring stores energy during normal operation and releases it during release, mediating between the secure locked state under load and the easy release state, providing force assistance that enables release without requiring excessive manual force.
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 securely locks the buckle in difficult environments, reduces the force needed for release, and prevents unintended releases, ensuring safe operation even when subjected to substantial forces.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of locking pins are rotatably coupled to the housing. A cam is positioned adjacent each opening and may extend from the surface of each locking pin. A wing may be integrally formed at the upper end of each locking pin.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A buckle release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A. striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or eject the striker plate within the housing.