Rotatable Snap Button Retainer for Emergency Strap Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neck straps for holding workpieces, such as firefighter masks, often require manual effort to release from entanglements, which can be hazardous in emergency situations where hands are occupied or visibility is low.
Innovation Solution
A retainer assembly with a neck strap featuring rotatable snap button assemblies that allow for a linear pull force to automatically disengage the strap from the workpiece, ensuring safe and rapid release without damaging the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional snap clips or threadable rings are used to engage the neck strap to the workpiece, then the retainment is straightforward and reliable, but the release requires manual effort which is hazardous in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The snap button assembly is designed to automatically disengage when subjected to a linear pull force, eliminating the need for manual operation. The male and female portions are configured with closure elements that lay in a closure plane and are rotatable about an axis perpendicular to this plane, allowing the strap to self-release from entanglements without requiring the firefighter to use their hands
Solution Approach 2:
The snap button assembly incorporates rotatable closure elements that can dynamically respond to applied forces. The male and female portions can rotate about their common axis of rotation, enabling the mechanism to adapt to different pull directions and automatically disengage when a linear pull force is applied along the axis of rotation
2Ease of operation
If the neck strap is designed to break away with minimal linear pull force for safety, then rapid release is achieved, but the engagement strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The snap button assembly incorporates rotatable closure elements that can dynamically respond to applied forces. The male and female portions can rotate about their common axis of rotation, enabling the mechanism to adapt to different pull directions and automatically disengage when a linear pull force is applied along the axis of rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the directional parameter of force application by requiring pull force to be applied along the axis of rotation (perpendicular to the closure plane) rather than in any direction. This parameter change allows the snap button to maintain strong engagement during normal use while automatically releasing when pulled in the correct direction
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is disclosed, the assembly for providing release structure to a lanyard or strap adapted to be worn on the body, such as a neck strap. The release structure consists of a snap button assembly configured such that the release pull generated by tension in the strap is directed along an axis perpendicular to the closure and rotation plane of the male and female portion of the snap button assemblies. With structure to configure a release pull in such an axis, a safety feature is provided to the wearer such that tension in the strap, when it reaches a sufficient force to overcome the closure forces of the snap button assembly, will release the closed snap button and allow the strap to fall away from the body. Also, as in the case of a firefighter wearing an SCBA fire mask, it prevents the firefighter from being entangled or tethered if the strap were to get accidentally hooked or caught on something. The breakaway will allow the firefighter to continue using the mask with no interruption of breathing air from the mask. In lanyards and tool holders, those fall away from the body. In the case of a firefighter, the mask does not fall away from the body.