Snap Hook Slide Bolt Assembly for Low-Pressure Manual Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap hooks require significant pressure to activate the protruding actuating member, which can be difficult for users with varying hand strength or size.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated snap hook design featuring a concave slide bolt assembly and a spring mechanism that distributes pressure over a wider area, eliminating the need for a protruding actuator and making activation easier and more comfortable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a protruding actuating member is used in existing snap hooks, then the activation mechanism is simple and direct, but significant pressure is required to activate it which can be difficult for users with varying hand strength or size
Solution Approach 1:
A concave actuating surface is introduced as an intermediary between the user's finger and the internal bolt mechanism. This concave surface distributes the activation force across a wider area, reducing the peak pressure needed while still effectively actuating the release mechanism. The concave shape acts as a force-distributing mediator that makes activation easier for users with varying hand strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating surface transitions from a protruding one-dimensional element to a concave two-dimensional surface. This dimensional change allows force to be distributed across a larger area rather than concentrated at a single point, reducing the pressure required for activation while maintaining mechanical effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If a protruding actuating member is used in existing snap hooks, then the structure is simple, but the concentrated pressure point can be uncomfortable or difficult to press
Solution Approach 1:
The concave actuating surface serves as a comfortable intermediary that the user's finger presses against. This concave surface is more comfortable than a protruding element because it distributes pressure and conforms to the natural curvature of a finger, reducing discomfort during activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating surface incorporates a concave curved geometry rather than a flat or protruding shape. This curvature matches the natural shape of a finger pad, distributing pressure more evenly and improving comfort during activation while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the snap hook is designed for easy activation with reduced pressure, then users with varying hand strengths can use it comfortably, but the activation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The concave actuating surface acts as a simple intermediary element that requires minimal structural complexity. It is essentially a shaped surface rather than a complex mechanism, yet it effectively distributes force to reduce activation pressure while maintaining overall mechanism simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a dimensional aspect to the actuating surface (making it concave rather than protruding) rather than adding complex mechanical components. This dimensional modification achieves force distribution and ease of activation without significantly increasing mechanism 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 redesigned snap hook provides ease of use and comfort by reducing the pressure required for activation, making it suitable for users with different hand strengths and sizes, while maintaining durability and allowing customization options.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism that distributes pressure over a wider area
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operated snap hook that includes a main body outer cylinder with an internal hook assembly and slide bolt assembly housed and sandwiched therein. The main body outer cylinder has a recessed portion that corresponds to recessed portions on the internal hook assembly and slide bolt assembly that has therein an actuator that is connected to a vertical spring, such that when the actuator is depressed, the slide bolt assembly allows for a bolt to move in the vertical direction along the main body outer cylinder such that it can both connect to and disconnect from the hook of the internal hook assembly, which emanates from the main body outer cylinder through a cut out. The internal hook assembly includes a male connecting member that extends beyond the bottom of the main body outer cylinder and connects to a female portion of a swivel ring assembly.