Child Seat Buckle

Embodiment Design | 14/1 - 21/2/2019
Submitted Project (Grade: 76%)

The Child Seat Buckle is a product development process based around a design class at University for utilising... "Methods to progress from chosen concept through to developed concept. Introduction and application of methods for initialsizing, component, manufacturing technology and material selection trade-off’s."

Concept Generation

Sketch 1

Sketch 2

Concept Development

Developed Concept 1 & 2

Developed Concept 3 & 4

Developed Concept 1 was chosen to be the final concept after a series of concept evaluation processes; the evaluative techniques consisted of a Controlled Convergence Matrix (CCM) and Weighting & Rating Matrix (W&R).

Materials & Process Costing

The specific materials and processes were chosen for their thorough use in the industry combined with their strength and durability. So too, their ability to be recycle - driving a sustainable design. The costs of each material and process have been referenced in the full project linked above.

For a 1000 piece start-up, approx. maufacturing cost = £2,350.

Mechanism & Forces

Section View and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

  1. Button is compressed making immediate contact with the belt lock (ref. exploded diagram below for part geometries).
  2. Button lock pushes against cantilever springand then releases the Belt Receiver, uncoiling the Dia.3mm Springs.
  3. The Belt Receiver now returns to the springs’ rest positions as the belt buckle is removed.

Exploded View & Bill of Materials (BOM)

Exploded View with BOM