Adjustable Cord Attachment Device with Sliding Locking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices, such as textile shackles, lack adjustability in the distance between connected parts, making them inflexible for varied use conditions due to their fixed length.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device comprising a cord with an adjustable and locking element that allows sliding along the cord portions, enabling the closure loop to be adjusted, featuring cylindrical or 'dog bone' shaped locking pins with parallel openings for adjustable length adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-length rope is used in traditional shackles, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the device cannot be adapted to varied conditions of use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varied conditionsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the locking element movable along the rope rather than fixed. The locking element can slide to different positions on the rope portions, allowing the closure loop length to be dynamically adjusted. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability to varied conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the rope into distinct portions (first rope portion and second rope portion) with a locking element that can independently move between them. This segmentation allows the locking element to be positioned at different locations, creating adjustable closure loops while keeping the base rope structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rope length is fixed in traditional shackles, then manufacturing is simple, but the distance between connected parts cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of distanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By making the locking element movable rather than fixed, the patent enables adjustable distance between connected parts. The locking element can be positioned at different locations along the rope portions during assembly, allowing customization of the closure loop length without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the position parameter of the locking element along the rope to achieve different closure loop lengths. This parameter change approach allows the same device structure to provide multiple configurations, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a movable locking element is added to enable adjustment, then adaptability improves, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of closure loopVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed as a movable component that can slide along the rope portions. This dynamic element provides adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure, avoiding the need for complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element utilizes the tension in the rope itself to maintain its position once adjusted. The rope tension naturally holds the locking element in place, eliminating the need for additional complex locking or securing mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3120042B1Attachment device
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 URBAN ASSOCIES ARCHITECTES
  • EP3120042B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3120042B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3120042B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

An attachment device that includes two portions of cord extending from a junction point from which a loop also extends. A locking element brings the portions of cord together at a site other than that of the junction point. The locking element is able to be passed through the loop to close the device on itself and ensure locking. The locking element is also able to slide along the portions of cord, thereby allowing the attachment device to be adjustable.