Webbing Buckle Release Mechanism With Cam Slide Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote release buckle systems require additional force due to the reliance on plastic deformation of a tie-together strip and resistance from the deformable web, making them less efficient and more difficult to repair.
Innovation Solution
A buckle design featuring a separate reciprocable slide element with cam surfaces that urges the latching legs together, eliminating the need for deformation of the tie-together strip and allowing for consistent resistive force regardless of actuation method, along with a removable cable system for improved reparability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a one-piece latch design with deformable web and tie-together strip is used for remote release, then the buckle can be actuated remotely, but additional force is required due to plastic deformation resistance and material deformation resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element is divided into separate components: the main latch body and a distinct slide element with cam surfaces. This segmentation allows the cam surfaces to provide mechanical advantage for actuating the latching legs, reducing the force required for remote release while maintaining structural integrity and enabling easier repair of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tension cord and the latching legs. It converts the linear pull of the tension cord into cam-driven lateral movement of the latching legs, providing mechanical advantage and reducing the direct force required to overcome plastic deformation resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional material and deformation mechanisms are added for remote actuation, then remote release capability is achieved, but the force required to accomplish release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide element introduces dynamic cam surfaces that convert linear motion into lateral leg movement. This dynamic mechanism provides mechanical advantage throughout the actuation stroke, reducing the force required at all points compared to direct deformation of the tie-together strip, while maintaining full remote release capability.
3Ease of operation
If the latch element material is deformed for release, then the buckle can be opened, but the material undergoes plastic deformation which complicates repair
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the slide element from the main latch body, the design allows the slide element to be replaced independently if worn or damaged, without requiring deformation or special tools. The main latch body remains intact and can be reused, significantly improving ease of repair compared to one-piece designs requiring material deformation.
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
This design enhances the efficiency of the remote release mechanism by reducing the force required for actuation and simplifies repair by allowing for the separation of the buckle components without deforming the latch element material, while maintaining the standard side release functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The cam surfaces are associated with angled surfaces on the latching legs forward of the latching edges. Movement of the slide element relative to the latch element causes the cam surfaces to urge the free ends of the latching legs together.
Data Source
AI summary
A buckle assembly includes a hollow buckle body and an insertable buckle latch with elongate latching legs. A separate reciprocable slide element carried by the buckle latch element with cam surfaces, angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the buckle that overlies the free ends of the latching legs. The cam surfaces are associated with angled surfaces on the latching legs forward of the latching edges. Movement of the slide element relative to the latch element causes the cam surfaces to urge the free ends of the latching legs together to unlatch the latching legs from the hollow buckle body locking edges. In one form, a cable is connected to the separate slide element to slide the separate slide element.