Adjustable Holding Device Cam System Cord Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bungee cord systems are non-adjustable, limiting their versatility in securing objects of varying sizes and requiring multiple cords or frequent adjustments to achieve the desired length, and they suffer from tension loss over time due to elastomeric material degradation.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable holding device with an elongate cord and a cam system that allows for adjustable length by moving along the cord, featuring a connection mechanism with a channel, cam system, and actuation mechanism for engaging and disengaging the cord at desired points, enabling easy adjustment without disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-adjustable bungee cord with fixed length is used, then the cord structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to secure objects of different sizes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection mechanism movable along the cord rather than fixed. The connection mechanism can be positioned at different locations along the cord length, allowing the effective length to be dynamically adjusted. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through movement while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cord into multiple sections by introducing a movable connection mechanism that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the cord to be divided into functional sections (secured portion and adjustable portion), enabling versatility without requiring multiple separate cords or complex assembly systems.
2Ease of operation
If wire clips are used to hold the cord ends folded, then the cord structure is simple, but the ease of operation for installation and replacement is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional wire clip mechanical system with a cam-based engagement mechanism. The cam system provides easier engagement and disengagement through rotational motion that translates to gripping and releasing the cord. This substitution improves ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism incorporates self-gripping features where the cam system automatically engages and secures the cord without requiring additional fastening steps. The design allows the mechanism to service itself by maintaining constant pressure on the cord through the cam's geometric shape, eliminating the need for separate locking operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cord length is permanently set by folding and securing ends, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability for different connection points is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing a movable connection mechanism that can be repositioned along the cord length. This allows the effective cord length to be dynamically changed by moving the connection point, enabling the same cord to adapt to different connection requirements without permanent modifications or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a securing device and an adjustable length mechanism. By integrating the movement capability into the connection mechanism itself, the device achieves universality, allowing a single cord to function for multiple length requirements and application scenarios.
4Reliability
If traditional bungee cords are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability over time due to tension loss is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback through the cam system's interaction with the cord tension. As the cord tension changes over time or during use, the cam mechanism responds by adjusting the engagement position or pressure, maintaining consistent securing force. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by compensating for tension loss without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism provides self-adjusting functionality where the cam system automatically maintains proper engagement and tension distribution along the cord. This self-service capability ensures consistent performance over time without requiring external intervention or complex monitoring systems, thereby improving reliability while keeping device complexity manageable.
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 solution provides a flexible and durable means to securely hold objects of different sizes without the need for multiple cords or frequent adjustments, maintaining tension through a cam system that automatically adjusts and re-engages based on cord tension, thus extending the lifespan of the bungee cord.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable connection mechanism includes a cam system configured to engage the elongate cord at a desired location
Implementation Method 2
The core of bungee cords is an elastomeric substance. Elastomeric substances breakdown with time and exposure to the environment
Data Source
AI summary
The adjustable holding device includes an elongate cord which may be elastomeric. The holding device has a first connection mechanism that is operatively connected to the elongate cord. In addition, an adjustable connection mechanism is also operatively connected to the elongate cord and configured to be movable along the length of the cord. The adjustable connection mechanism includes a cam system configured to engage the elongate cord at a desired location. In addition, the adjustable connection mechanism is configured to move along the elongate cord when the first connection mechanism and the adjustable connection mechanism are operatively connected to desired connection points.