Shockproof Quick-Release Fastener with Anchor Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release fasteners for motor vehicle safety belts are not shockproof in any spatial direction and require a complex special tool for release, leading to potential assembly issues and increased time during vehicle manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A quick release fastener design featuring a lockable insert tongue and locking element with anchor surfaces, a retaining element that can rotate between retaining and resting positions, and standard tool-operable mechanisms for easy release, ensuring shockproofness and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a special tool with two specially shaped fork fingers is used to engage and release the quick release fastener, then unauthorized users cannot release the fastener (security is improved), but the release process becomes too complex and time-consuming for authorized technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retaining element as an intermediary component that mediates between the locking element and the release mechanism. This retaining element can be rotated between a retaining position (securing the locking element) and a resting position (releasing the locking element), allowing simple tool access while maintaining security when properly assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the retaining element rotatable between two positions (retaining and resting), transforming a static locking mechanism into a dynamic one. This rotation capability allows the system to switch between secure locked state and easily releasable state, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation
2Device complexity
If only inertial forces are used to prevent rotation of the retaining element into release position during collision, then the structure remains simple, but the fastener is not shockproof in transverse directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing anchor surfaces that proactively prevent transverse displacement and rotation of the locking element before collision forces can cause unwanted release. The anchor surfaces create mechanical stops that counteract potential harmful movements in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends shockproof protection from the longitudinal direction (where inertial forces act) to transverse directions by introducing anchor surfaces on the locking element. These anchor surfaces interact with the frame plate to provide restraint in multiple spatial dimensions, transforming a one-dimensional shockproof mechanism into a multi-dimensional one
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is designed without anchor surfaces, then the assembly is simpler and more cost-effective, but the locking element can undergo undesired transverse displacement during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking element into functional zones: the main body that engages the insert tongue, and protruding sections with anchor surfaces that provide collision protection. This segmentation allows the locking element to perform multiple functions without requiring a completely redesign, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving stability
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 solution provides a shockproof quick release fastener that allows for dependable and efficient assembly, eliminating the need for a special tool and reducing assembly time, while maintaining security and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining element which can be rotated around a rotary axis which extends from the first frame plate to the second frame plate and through the center of gravity of the retaining element, said rotation being between a retaining position and a resting position
Implementation Method 2
an undesired rotation of a rotatable retaining element of the quick release fastener into a release position is prevented solely by inertial forces in case of a vehicle collision
Implementation Method 3
The locking element has at least two anchor surfaces facing one another which form a stop on at least one outer face of the frame plate and/or of the insert tongue
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release fastener for an end fitting of a safety belt having spaced apart first and second frame, a lockable insert tongue insertable between the frame plates, and a locking element moveable between a locking position in which the insert tongue is locked between the frame plates, and a release position. A locking element has at least two anchor surfaces facing one another, which at least form the stop at one outer face of the frame plates or of the insert tongue. In this way, a shockproof quick release fastener is provided which can be released without a special tool.