Tension Arm Locking Assembly for Secure Clothing Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory locking systems for items like pocket knives and pens on clothing are inefficient in preventing accidental falling or sliding, lack volumetric efficiency, require special tools for assembly, and are not cost-effective for manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tension arm locking assembly comprising a tension arm with a flexible tongue, actuating lever, pivot housing, and fixed base, which can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools, and is designed to be durable, volumetrically efficient, and cost-effective, using a mechanism where the actuating lever's locking protrusion and engagement post secure the item when closed, preventing it from falling or sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing accessory locking systems are used, then items can be attached to clothing, but they fail to prevent accidental falling or sliding off
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system employs a dynamic tension arm that can be actuated between locked and unlocked positions. The arm is biased by a spring to remain in the locked position, requiring deliberate user action to release, thereby preventing accidental detachment while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically maintains the tension arm in the locked position without requiring continuous user intervention. The spring provides constant force to keep the arm engaged, and the arm itself serves as the locking element through its positioning relative to the base.
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to improve security, then items are better secured, but special tools are required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into distinct modular components: a base with aperture, a tension arm with locking feature, and a spring mechanism. These segmented parts can be independently manufactured and assembled using simple tools, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension arm serves as an intermediary element between the base and the item to be secured. It provides the locking function through its interaction with the base aperture and spring, enabling secure attachment without requiring complex integrated mechanisms or specialized assembly tools.
3Reliability
If traditional locking assemblies are used, then items can be secured, but they are not volumetrically efficient for carrying, transporting, and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The tension arm is designed to nest within or alongside the base structure when not in use. The spring mechanism is compactly positioned within the base aperture, allowing the entire assembly to occupy minimal space during carrying and storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension arm transitions between a compact retracted position for storage and an extended locked position for securing items. This dynamic positioning allows the system to be space-efficient during transport while providing adequate security when in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A tension arm locking assembly having a tension arm assembly with a tension arm. The tension arm has a tongue. The tension arm assembly further has a fixed base, a pivot housing, and a base. A first cavity is defined between the fixed base and the base. An actuating lever is mounted at the pivot housing. The actuating lever has a body extending to an extension edge that defines an extension interior wall. The body includes an engagement post that extends to a post base. Protruding from the engagement post is a locking protrusion. A first predetermined force is placed upon a release towards the base to place the actuating lever in the open position, and a second predetermined force is placed upon the actuating lever between the pivot housing and the extension edge to place the actuating lever in the closed position.