Safety Buckle with Dual-Depth Control Key for Consistent Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baby carrier buckle devices do not ensure consistent locking between buckle parts, particularly when the control key is actuated, leading to potential mislocking and lack of acoustic indication, which is crucial for safety and correct operation.
Innovation Solution
A safety buckle device design featuring a first buckle part with a springing detent and a second buckle part with a guiding tongue and control key, where the detent locks with the guiding tongue even when the control key is actuated, providing acoustic indications for correct locking and preventing mislocking by ensuring the guiding tongue can only lock correctly when aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control key is actuated for opening the buckle device, then the buckle device can be opened, but the two buckle parts may not lock consistently leading to potential mislocking
Solution Approach 1:
The control key is segmented into two distinct recesses with different depths, allowing separate control functions. The first recess enables opening while the second recess maintains locking, thus separating the opening function from the locking function to ensure locking consistency even during opening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the depth parameter of the control key recesses to create different functional states. By having recesses at different depths, the detent can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the locking means, ensuring consistent locking when needed while allowing opening when required.
2Ease of operation
If the buckle device allows flexible operation, then ease of use is improved, but acoustic indication for correct locking may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces acoustic feedback through a click sound generated when the detent engages with the locking means. This provides immediate sensory confirmation to the user that correct locking has occurred, compensating for the lack of visual feedback and ensuring the user knows the buckle is properly secured.
3Ease of manufacture
If the buckle device construction is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but mislocking prevention capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding tongue is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that must match the corresponding asymmetric recess in the first buckle part. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the guiding tongue can only be inserted and locked in the correct orientation, preventing mislocking while maintaining a relatively simple construction.
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
Ensures consistent locking between buckle parts regardless of the control key's position, providing reliable acoustic feedback for correct locking and preventing mislocking, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a springing detent, which is arranged in said at least partially closed space is adapted to lock against a locking means which forms a part of the guiding tongue
Data Source
AI summary
A safety buckle device includes a first buckle part having a partially closed space with an opening, and a second buckle part having a body, a guiding tongue, and a control key. When locking the safety buckle device, a springing detent is adapted to lock against a locking element. The control key has two recesses having different depths and arranged adjacent each other in the longitudinal direction of the control key. The detent achieves a first locking when the control key is actuated, and the detent achieves a second locking when the control key no longer is actuated, or the detent achieves a locking when the control key is not actuated. The detent is adapted to be released when the control key is actuated again, or when the control key is actuated.