Strap Buckle Assembly with Arc Spring for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing strap buckle assemblies are inconvenient and time-consuming to adjust, requiring two hands to release the strap, especially when used in child carriers, and the process of length adjustment is complex and force-exerting.
Innovation Solution
A strap buckle assembly with a movable arc-shaped spring mechanism that allows for variable friction adjustment by changing the bending radius, enabling one-handed operation and easy length adjustment without the need to lift the buckle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional strap buckle assembly with two bars is used to clamp the strap, then the strap is securely clamped through friction force, but the adjustment of strap length becomes complicated and time-consuming requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is divided into a first part and a second part that can move relative to each other. The first part contains the clamping mechanism while the second part can be independently actuated, allowing one-handed operation to release the strap while maintaining secure clamping through the friction force between the two parts
Solution Approach 2:
The second part is made movable relative to the first part, enabling dynamic adjustment of the clamping force. By moving the second part, the friction force between the parts can be increased or decreased, allowing easy release of the strap by a single hand while maintaining reliable clamping when engaged
2Length of moving object
If the strap length is increased by pulling the free end into the buckle, then the strap length between the maze and first end portion is increased, but the adjustment procedure becomes complicated and force-exerting
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is segmented into movable first and second parts, creating a modular structure where the second part can be independently actuated. This segmentation simplifies the adjustment procedure by allowing the user to manipulate only the second part for length adjustment rather than performing complex multi-step operations on the entire buckle assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connection between the first and second parts enables dynamic length adjustment. The user can easily pull or push the second part relative to the first part to adjust the strap length, making the adjustment process simpler and requiring less force compared to traditional fixed buckle designs
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
Enables one-handed operation and easy length adjustment of the strap, improving convenience and safety by allowing the strap to be securely fastened or released without the need for two hands, making it suitable for child carriers.
Implementation Method 1
an operating mechanism having a spring. The spring is arc-shaped, has a variable bending radius and comprises a first end connected to the first part of the strap buckle assembly as well as a second end connected to the second part of the strap buckle assembly
Implementation Method 2
The operating mechanism is configured to vary the bending radius of the spring, by moving the pivoting bar such that said first and second end of the spring are displaceable with respect to each other
Implementation Method 3
a friction force can be realized between the first and second part for clamping a strap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A strap buckle assembly (1) for clamping a strap (2) is disclosed which comprises a first and a second part (3, 4) for clamping the strap (2) in-between, wherein the first and the second part (3, 4) are relatively movable to each other, and an operating mechanism (5) having a spring (5b), wherein the spring (5b) is arc-shaped having a variable bending radius (R) and comprises a first end (5c) connected to the first part (3) as well as a second end (5d) connected to the second part (4), and wherein the operating mechanism (5) is configured to vary the bending radius (R) of the spring (5b) such that said first and second end (5c, 5d) of the spring (5b) are displaceable with respect to each other between a clamping position and an adjusting position.