Metal Snap Closure Tension Adjustment for Variable Unfastening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap closures made of metal, particularly those subjected to high loads, lack adjustable snap tension and are not easily adaptable for varying unfastening forces, unlike their plastic counterparts, which limits their versatility and application range.
Innovation Solution
A snap closure system featuring a female component with elastic tabs and a screw-type adjustment device on a basic plate, allowing for adjustable snap tension through geometric modifications, including a removable connecting device that interacts with deformable material to change the seating of the male component, enabling customizable unfastening force and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a snap closure is made of metal for high load resistance, then strength and durability are improved, but adaptability for varying unfastening forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the snap closure system adjustable through a screw mechanism that allows the unfastening force to be modified. The elastic tabs can be repositioned along the basic plate to change the mechanical leverage and thus the unfastening force, transforming a static metal snap closure into a dynamic, adaptable system that maintains strength while gaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the user to modify the unfastening force parameter through the screw adjustment mechanism. By changing the position of the elastic tabs relative to the pivot point using the screw device, the mechanical advantage changes, thereby adjusting the unfastening force parameter while maintaining the metal construction for high load resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a snap closure is designed with fixed geometry for simplicity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to various applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the snap closure into modular components: a basic plate with multiple positioning holes, separate elastic tabs, and a screw adjustment device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, while the combination provides adaptability through reconfigurable assembly for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through the basic plate design featuring multiple positioning holes that can accommodate different tab configurations. The same basic plate and screw mechanism can be used across various applications by simply repositioning the elastic tabs, making the snap closure multi-functional without requiring complex manufacturing for each specific application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a snap closure allows user adjustment for versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by using a standardized basic plate design with repeating patterns of positioning holes that can be replicated across different snap closure units. The screw adjustment mechanism is a simple, repeatable component that can be mass-produced, allowing user-adjustable functionality without significantly increasing manufacturing or structural complexity.
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 snap closure with adjustable unfastening force, enhanced versatility, and adaptability to various applications, including resistance to flames and corrosion, while maintaining a compact size and user-adjustable functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a female component (2) comprising an external crown (23) with an external shrinkage (24)... a portion of deformable material (4) composed of a concave foil
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A snap closure with adjustment of its snap tension is described, comprising a male component (1) selectively engaged in a female component (2), such male component (1) and/or female component (2) being fastened to a respective supporting device (11, 21) designed to receive connecting means to a surface of a respective substrate, and further comprising at least one removable connecting device (3) designed to allow changing a geometric shape of at least one component of the snap closure.