Spring Clip Key Ring Accessory for Secure Clothing Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key ring accessory devices require considerable dexterity for attachment and detachment, leading to time wastage and risk of loss during activities, as they can be unwieldy and prone to inadvertent detachment.
Innovation Solution
A spring clip design that securely attaches and detaches accessory items from a key ring, allowing for easy manipulation and secure clipping onto clothing items, with various housing types for accommodating different accessory items, including a constraining arrangement and grip feature for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional split ring key ring is used to attach accessory items, then the accessory item can be attached and detached, but it requires considerable dexterity and time, and is prone to inadvertent detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The key ring device incorporates a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that dynamically adjusts to secure the accessory item. The spring applies continuous force to maintain engagement, while the clamping members can be easily actuated to release the grip, providing both security against accidental detachment and ease of intentional removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces clamping members as intermediary elements between the split ring and the accessory item. These clamping members engage with the accessory item and are actuated by a release mechanism, serving as a mediator that provides secure holding while allowing controlled release, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and easy detachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional split ring key ring is used, then accessory items can be attached, but the key ring becomes unwieldy during activities and accessory items may repeatedly hit the user's body
Solution Approach 1:
The key ring device is segmented into distinct functional components: a base structure, spring mechanism, clamping members, and release actuator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the clamping members providing secure engagement and the spring providing resilient force, making the overall device more manageable during physical activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism changes the force parameter applied to the accessory item, providing sufficient holding force to prevent accidental detachment while maintaining a compact profile. The spring force can be adjusted through the design of the spring characteristics, allowing optimization between security and compactness for active use.
3Reliability
If accessory items are securely held on a key ring, then detachment is prevented, but attachment and detachment require considerable time and dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamping mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple release trigger. When the release mechanism is activated, the spring automatically drives the clamping members to open, causing the accessory item to be ejected without requiring the user to manually manipulate small components. This self-service mechanism reduces both the time and dexterity required for detachment while maintaining secure holding during normal use.
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
Facilitates convenient and secure interchange of accessory items on a key ring, reducing dexterity requirements and preventing accidental detachment, while allowing safe carrying during activities.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping member (103) resiliently flexibly mounted on the base member (102) for forming a clamping zone therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a grip feature for gripping a clothing item
Data Source
AI summary
Key ring accessory devices enable a user to conveniently and repeatedly attach an accessory item to a key ring's split ring and detach it therefrom and, during its detachment, securely clamp the accessory item to a clothing item for safely carrying the accessory item. The key ring accessory devices include a spring clip with the interchangeability functionality of freely and directly suspending an accessory item from a key ring's split ring and clamping the accessory item on a clothing item. The key ring accessory devices are designed such that they are unable to merely slide off a split ring but rather requires a specific user manipulation.