Spring Gate Buckle with Guide Track for Stable Strap Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckle designs with spring gate closure systems are unstable under high forces, as the wire locking element can bend and slip out of holes, leading to unintended release of the strap, and require deformation for assembly, which destabilizes the design.
Innovation Solution
A buckle with a guide track and a spring gate in the shape of a loop with overlapping end portions, where the spring gate is assembled without deformation by sliding into the guide track and locking around a catch, using protrusions to secure it in place, preventing accidental release even under high forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wire locking element is used in the spring gate closure system, then the buckle can be assembled with holes in the top bar, but the wire can bend under high forces causing the ends to slip out of the holes and release the strap
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into multiple segments: a body portion that engages with the catch and end portions that engage with the top bar holes. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, preventing the entire element from bending and slipping out under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element has different structural characteristics at different locations: the body portion is designed for engagement with the catch, while the end portions are designed for engagement with the top bar holes. This local differentiation ensures that each region has the appropriate properties for its specific function, preventing localized failure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spring gate locking element is bent into an L-shape to insert through holes, then it can be assembled into the buckle, but the deformation destabilizes the design and causes the wire to bend under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-formed with its final operational shape during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field deformation. The element is designed with its ends already positioned to engage with the top bar holes, so no bending or deformation is required during assembly, maintaining structural stability throughout the product lifecycle.
3Ease of operation
If the spring gate is designed to be released by pressing on the top bar, then the strap can be detached, but the spring gate may be inadvertently removed under high forces during use
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to be dynamically responsive to user input while resistant to passive forces. The spring gate can be actively released by pressing on the top bar, but the engagement with the catch and the structural design prevent inadvertent release under normal use forces, creating a dynamic system that responds appropriately to different input types.
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 buckle provides a stable and secure connection that resists deformation and accidental release, allowing easy assembly without deforming the spring gate, ensuring straps remain attached under load.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure created by pressing on the spring gate deforms the spring, as it cannot move within the guide track due to the protrusion blocking the guide track. The spring then stores a restoring force that helps to remove the spring from the catch once the top bar is pressed downward sufficiently to release the spring gate from the catch.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle has a main buckle body having a first side wall, a second side wall, and at least one first slot for receiving a strap, and a top bar connected to the main buckle body at the first side wall and forming a second slot with the main buckle body for receiving a second strap. The second slot is open at a distal end thereof. The top bar has a guide track extending longitudinally therethrough, with the guide track opening into the second slot. A catch is formed on the second side wall adjacent the distal end of the second slot. A spring gate is disposed in the guide track. The spring gate is placed around the catch to close the distal end of the second slot. The spring gate is releasable from the catch by pressing on the top bar until the spring gate clears the catch.