Three-Member Elastic Tab Buckle Assembly for Reliable Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buckle structures for connecting plastic parts face challenges in balancing assembly and disassembly reliability, often requiring concessions in either assembly or disassembly, leading to frequent part failures.
Innovation Solution
A buckle assembly comprising a first buckle member, a second buckle member with oppositely disposed elastic tabs and a through hole, and a third buckle member with a latching pin, forming interlocking structures that facilitate secure connection while allowing easy disassembly, featuring elongated clamping protrusions and grooves for enhanced stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional elastic deformation connection is used, then assembly is simplified, but disassembly reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is divided into three independent members: a first buckle member, a second buckle member with elastic tabs, and a third buckle member. This segmentation allows each component to have specialized functions - the first member provides structural support, the second member with elastic tabs provides controlled deformation and latching, and the third member provides secure engagement. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing functions across multiple components rather than relying on a single elastic deformation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The second buckle member incorporates elastic tabs that can dynamically deform during assembly and disassembly operations. The elastic tabs bend to allow insertion of latching portions during assembly, then return to their original position to securely hold the latching portions in place. During disassembly, the elastic tabs can be deliberately deformed to release the latching portions. This dynamic behavior allows the connection to be both easy to assemble and reliable to disassemble.
2Reliability
If connection reliability is improved, then assembly security increases, but disassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tabs act as intermediaries between the rigid buckle members. During normal operation, the elastic tabs maintain a secure connection by elastically deforming to lock the latching portions in place. During disassembly, the elastic tabs serve as the release mechanism - applying force to the elastic tabs causes them to deform and release the latching portions, enabling easy disassembly. The intermediary elastic tabs thus provide both secure connection and easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tabs change their physical state between two parameters: a locked state where they maintain secure connection, and a released state where they allow easy disassembly. The transition between these states is controlled by deliberate deformation of the elastic tabs. This parameter change allows the connection to switch between being secure and being easily disassembled, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and disassembly ease.
3Device complexity
If single latching structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second buckle member with elastic tabs serves multiple functions: it provides latching through the elastic tabs, it provides structural support through the connecting base, and it enables both assembly and disassembly operations. The first and third buckle members also have multiple functions - they provide structural support, engagement surfaces, and positioning features. This multi-functionality across three members achieves high adaptability without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the latching function, structural support function, and release mechanism into an integrated three-member system. The elastic tabs of the second member combine the latching and release functions, while the connecting base provides structural support. The first and third members are designed to work together with the second member, creating a unified assembly that achieves high adaptability through functional integration rather than through complex separate mechanisms.
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 assembly achieves a firm connection while facilitating disassembly, ensuring reliability and extending the service life of connected components, particularly in applications like air conditioners, by providing a compact and versatile design.
Implementation Method 1
the two elastic tabs are disposed on the connecting base respectively and are oppositely disposed... form a first latching structure... form a second latching structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A buckle assembly and an air conditioner are provided in the present invention, which relate to the field of air conditioners. The buckle assembly includes a first buckle member, a second buckle member, and a third buckle member. The second buckle member includes a connecting base and two elastic tabs, and the two elastic tabs are disposed on the connecting base respectively and are oppositely disposed. Two first clamping protrusions are respectively disposed on the same ends of the two elastic tabs, and form a first latching structure. Two second clamping protrusions are respectively disposed on the other ends of the two elastic tabs, and form a second latching structure. The connecting base is opened with a through hole, a first latching portion is disposed on the first buckle member, and the first latching portion is latched with the first latching structure. A second latching portion is disposed on the third buckle member, and the second latching portion passes through the through hole and is clamped with the second latching structure, or the second latching structure passes through the through hole and is latched with the second latching portion. The buckle assembly is easy to disassemble and can connect securely.