Flat Strap Attachment with Radial Rotation and Spring Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strap attachment mechanisms for bags and luggage are bulky, aesthetically unappealing, difficult to install with one hand, and restrict the range of motion due to their mechanical design.
Innovation Solution
A strap attachment device featuring a connecting plate with a flanged connector post and a locking member biased by a spring, allowing for secure attachment and easy release with a pull tab, enabling radial rotation while maintaining lateral stability, and a T-shaped bar for securing the strap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded clip or hook mechanism is used to attach the strap, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the device becomes bulky and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is nested within the connecting plate, with the spring housed inside the connecting plate structure. The flanged connector post passes through the connecting plate to engage the locking member, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall volume while maintaining secure attachment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional protruding hook mechanism to a flat planar design where the connecting plate lies substantially in the same plane as the bag surface. The locking mechanism operates in a different dimension (radial direction) rather than requiring protrusion perpendicular to the surface, reducing bulk while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a traditional spring-loaded clip is used, then the attachment is secure, but it is difficult to install with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The flanged connector post is designed to automatically engage the locking member upon insertion through the connecting plate. The spring automatically biases the locking member into the locked position without requiring manual operation, allowing one-handed installation where the user simply needs to insert the post and release the pull tab
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to bias the locking member into the engaged position before the connector post is fully inserted. This preliminary action ensures that as soon as the flanged connector post passes through the connecting plate, the locking member is already positioned to immediately secure the attachment, simplifying the installation process
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mechanical connection is used, then the attachment is stable, but it restricts the range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism allows dynamic movement in the radial direction while maintaining stability against lateral displacement. The strap connector can rotate freely in the radial direction around the flanged connector post, providing adaptability and range of motion, while the locking member prevents orthogonal displacement to maintain stability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection provides different degrees of freedom in different directions: it is rigid and stable against lateral and orthogonal displacement, but allows free rotation in the radial direction. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties simultaneously achieves stability and range of motion
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 compact, aesthetically pleasing, and easily installable strap attachment that allows for a full range of motion, enhancing user convenience and design integration.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member may be biased into an engaged position by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A strap attachment device includes a strap connector configured to attach to a strap and a connecting plate secured on the surface of an article such as a bag or suitcase. The strap connector includes a connector post configured to removably engage and be secured by a locking member located beneath the connecting plate. The locking member is biased into a closed position by a mechanical biasing means, such as a spring. The connector post may include a flanged end configured to partially disengage the locking member causing the flanged end to mate with and be secured by the locking member responsive to being inserted into the connecting plate. A pull tab is further disposed on a pull track within the connecting plate. A user can disengage the connector post from the locking member by moving the pull tab along the pull track.