Symmetric Locking Clasp for Location-Tracking Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing mechanisms for location-tracking devices on individuals with dementia or cognitive disorders are inadequate as they can be easily removed by the wearer, are uncomfortable, obtrusive, and often require a key or tool for removal, posing safety risks and practical issues.
Innovation Solution
A locking clasp with a symmetric design featuring a male T-slider and female T-channel mechanism that locks with ratchet teeth, requiring a two-hand grip to unlock and featuring a release button for easy detachment, ensuring the device cannot be removed by the wearer alone, while being comfortable and unobtrusive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key or removal tool is used to lock and unlock the clasp, then the security against removal is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and may upset patients
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp mechanism allows any person to easily open it using a simple two-hand squeezing motion without requiring keys or special tools. The symmetric design with two T-sliders and T-channels enables mutual engagement and easy release through coordinated hand movements, making the system self-servicing for both attachment and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp is divided into two substantially identical portions, each with its own T-slider and T-channel mechanism. This segmentation allows independent operation of each side while maintaining overall security, as both portions must be simultaneously engaged or disengaged through the symmetric two-hand squeezing action.
2Ease of manufacture
If a disposable plastic band and clasp combination is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to non-reusability and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp design enables easy attachment and removal of the location-tracking device without damaging the band or clasp components. The symmetric T-slider and T-channel mechanism allows repeated use of the same clasp and band combination, eliminating the need to discard disposable components while maintaining comfort and reliability through reusable materials.
3Ease of operation
If traditional securing mechanisms are used, then the ease of operation for wearer removal is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as patients can easily remove the device
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp employs a symmetric design where both portions are substantially identical, creating a balanced system that requires coordinated two-hand squeezing to operate. This symmetry prevents one-handed manipulation by patients while maintaining ease of operation for caregivers who can easily squeeze both sides simultaneously to attach or remove the device.
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 secure, comfortable, and easy-to-use mechanism for attaching location-tracking devices that prevents accidental removal by the wearer, ensuring continuous tracking and reducing safety risks, while being simple to use and requiring no special skills for attachment or removal.
Implementation Method 1
movable spring arm (6), wherein the movable spring arm (6) is movable within the female T-channel (8) between a retracted position and an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device that requires wearer assistance for removal has a clasp that is unlocked by simultaneously disengaging movable ratchet teeth and sliding one half of the clasp past the other half. The clasp has a first portion and a second portion, each portion including a male connector having fixed ratchet teeth and a female connector having movable ratchet teeth. When the securing clasp is locked together by connecting the male connector of the first portion with the female connector of the second portion, and vice versa, it provides for the securement of an adjoining wristband. The securing device can be unlocked by anyone using a two-hand grip but not by a wearer of the device on their wrist, because the wearer only has the use of one hand to unlock the securing device.