Safety Belt Latch Structure with Nested Locking and Elastic Press Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety belt latch structures are difficult to operate due to the need for excessive force and are prone to unintended unlocking, especially under impact, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A safety belt latch structure featuring a base with a locking hook member, positioning shaft, and a press switch with an elastic member, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by pressing a push knob, which prevents accidental unlocking due to impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-biased retaining unit is used to lock the drive member, then the latch structure is secure and reliable, but the user has to apply a larger force to overcome the elastic force of the retaining unit to unlock the drive member
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate locking portions (first locking portion on the locking hook member and second locking portion on the push knob) that work independently. This segmentation allows the locking forces to be distributed and managed separately, enabling reliable locking while reducing the force needed for unlocking through the push knob mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The push knob acts as an intermediary element between the user's finger and the locking mechanism. It provides a larger surface area for finger application and transmits the unlocking force through the elastic member to the locking portions, making the unlocking operation easier while maintaining secure locking.
2Ease of operation
If the spring of the retaining unit is loosened during long-term utilization, then the drive member is unlocked too easily, but maintaining tight spring tension causes difficulty in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is extracted from the traditional spring-biased retaining unit configuration and implemented as a separate, dedicated component with its own mounting structure. This allows the elastic member to be independently designed and positioned to provide consistent unlocking assistance without compromising the locking stability under impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is pre-positioned and pre-tensioned to provide preliminary unlocking assistance before the user applies force. This preliminary action reduces the initial force barrier for unlocking while the locking portions maintain secure engagement under normal conditions and impact conditions.
3Device complexity
If the locking portions are directly engaged without additional components, then the structure is simple, but the latch may be unlocked due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking portion and second locking portion are nested within the respective members (locking hook member and push knob) and engage with each other. This nested configuration provides a compact, integrated locking mechanism that is both simple in structure and reliable under impact, as the nested engagement creates a interlocking mechanism resistant to impact 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
Facilitates quick and easy operation of the safety belt latch, enhancing user safety by preventing unintended unlocking and ensuring the latch remains secure during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member mounted in the through hole of the locking seat and biased between the push knob and the covering member
Data Source
AI summary
A safety belt latch structure includes a base, a locking hook member, a positioning shaft, and a press switch. The locking hook member is provided with a first locking portion. The press switch includes a push knob, a covering member, and an elastic member. The push knob has a pressing portion, a resting portion, a depression, and a second locking portion. The first locking portion is locked with the second locking portion, and received in the depression. Thus, the user only needs to press the push knob to unlock the locking hook member and to release the safety belt latch structure, such that the safety belt is released quickly. In addition, the press switch is surrounded by the base, such that the push knob will not be contacted due to impact, thereby preventing the locking hook member from being unlocked from the press switch.