Snap and Lock Button with Rotating Hinged Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional buttons are prone to becoming undone easily, leading to unwanted detachment of clothing, especially in athletic or extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A snap and lock button system featuring a ridged cover with a male fastener and a plate with hinges that can rotate approximately 37 degrees into a locked position, secured by bumper guards, to prevent accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional buttons are used for fastening, then the fastening process is simple and easy to operate, but the buttons become undone easily leading to unwanted detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The button mechanism transitions from a static traditional button to a dynamic system with movable components. The push button can be pressed to release the snap connection, and the rotating element can be turned to lock or unlock the fastening. This dynamic behavior allows the button to remain securely fastened during normal use while providing controlled release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The button is divided into multiple functional segments: a snap connection element for fastening, a push button for release activation, and a rotating element for locking/unlocking control. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve reliable fastening while maintaining ease of operation through modular, specialized components.
2Reliability
If a locked position is added to prevent accidental opening, then the fastening reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing button structure rather than being a separate system. The rotating element integrates with the snap connection, and the push button works in conjunction with the rotating element to control the locked state. This merging approach provides enhanced security while minimizing additional complexity by combining functions into unified components.
Solution Approach 2:
The button mechanism incorporates self-locking and self-unlocking capabilities through its design. When the snap connection engages, the rotating element can automatically lock into position to prevent accidental opening. The push button provides a simple user input that triggers the unlocking sequence, after which the button can be rotated to disengage. The system serves itself by maintaining secure fastening without continuous user intervention.
3Reliability
If a rotating locking mechanism is implemented, then the prevention of unwanted detachment improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The button operation follows a periodic sequence: press the button to release the snap connection, rotate the element to unlock or lock the fastening state, and release the button. This periodic action pattern provides clear tactile feedback and distinct operational stages, making the enhanced security mechanism intuitive to use despite the additional rotation step. The cyclical nature of press-rotate-release creates a learnable, repeatable operation rhythm.
Data Source
AI summary
A button system containing two pieces that snap and lock together to fasten multiple articles of clothing. The top piece is made of three distinct parts: a detachable ridged color-coded cover, a fastener that attaches said cover to a rotatable hinged plate, and a fastener that secures all three pieces of the top piece. The bottom piece is also made up of three distinct parts: a plate to receive the hinges from the top piece, a curved structure that connects the hinge/cavity plates to the article of clothing, and a rivet that attaches to the article of clothing and the snap and lock invention.