Three-Point Release Buckle with Deflectable Center Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-point release buckles used in security applications, such as by law enforcement and military personnel, face challenges in being secure against unintended release while remaining easily operable by the user, as existing designs may not adequately prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Innovation Solution
A three-point release buckle design featuring lateral release points on the sides and a third release point on the external surface, utilizing a male component with latch arms and a deflectable center bar, and a female component with a fixed catch point and a deflectable release button, allowing secure latching and difficult unauthorized release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-piece buckle design with lateral windows and protrusions is used, then the buckle is easy to operate for release, but it is vulnerable to unintended release and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into three distinct points: two lateral release points at the windows and one central release point on the external surface. This segmentation requires an attacker to access multiple locations simultaneously, significantly increasing the difficulty of unauthorized release while maintaining user accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a third dimension to the release mechanism by positioning a release point on the external surface of the buckle body, beyond the traditional lateral windows. This spatial addition creates a multi-layered security approach where the user can release from the front while attackers must contort to reach lateral points
2Reliability
If a three-point release mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized access, then resistance to unintended release improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The male component serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection between buckle pieces, engages with the female component's pocket, and incorporates the central release button mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting complexity growth despite enhanced security features
Solution Approach 2:
The release button is merged directly into the male component body, and the deflectable center bar is integrated with the latch arms. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate release mechanisms, maintaining structural efficiency while achieving three-point release capability
3Extent of automation
If deflectable arms with protrusions are used for engagement, then automatic latching is achieved, but the buckle can be easily released by squeezing the protrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is segmented across three distinct access points rather than concentrated at the lateral windows. This forces any release action to occur at multiple locations simultaneously, transforming a simple squeeze operation into a complex multi-point manipulation task
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable center bar acts as an intermediary element between the lateral latch arms and the central release button. It transmits the release force from the central button to the latch arms, coordinating the release action across all three points and ensuring synchronized disengagement
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 provides secure and resistant operation to unauthorized release while allowing easy operation by the user, enhancing safety and durability against misuse.
Implementation Method 1
the arms are deflected inwardly and thereafter are allowed to rebound outwardly when the protrusions align with the windows
Implementation Method 2
a deflectable release button in the female component operable against the center bar to move the center bar away from the fixed catch point
Data Source
AI summary
A three point buckle release buckle includes male and female components establishing releasable latch connections at opposite sides of the buckle and a center latch. The center latch is formed by a fixed catch point in the female component and a deflectable bar of the male component. A release button is depressed against the deflectable bar to release the center latch.