Adjustable Strap Clamp With Living Hinge and Friction Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable strap clamps for respirator masks are complex in structure, requiring multiple parts and additional components like springs, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single injection molded plastic clamp with a living hinge and complementary protrusions and recesses allows for adjustable strap length by providing frictional engagement for locking and adjusting the strap ends, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art adjustable strap clamps use multiple parts and additional components like springs, then the clamp can provide adjustment of strap length, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (clamp body, adjustment mechanism, locking mechanism) into a single integrated clamp structure. The clamp member includes built-in protrusions and recesses that enable both clamping and adjustment functions without requiring separate springs or additional parts, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member is designed to perform multiple functions: it clamps the strap ends, provides adjustment of strap length, and locks the strap in position. The complementary protrusions and recesses within the single clamp structure enable all these functions, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art adjustable strap clamps use multiple parts, then the clamp can provide adjustment functionality, but the manufacturing expense and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the adjustment mechanism and clamping mechanism into a single molded clamp member. The complementary protrusions and recesses are formed as integral parts of the clamp structure, eliminating the need for separate springs or additional components. This single-piece construction reduces manufacturing steps, lowers assembly complexity, and reduces overall manufacturing cost while maintaining full adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member is designed with segmented features including multiple protrusions and recesses at different positions within the single molded structure. These segmented elements provide multiple adjustment positions and clamping points without requiring separate components, enabling complex functionality to be achieved through a simplified single-piece manufacturing process
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 enables a simple, cost-effective adjustable strap clamp that ensures better fit and comfort for respirator masks by allowing easy adjustment of strap length without the need for multiple parts or complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
folded over on itself using a living hinge
Implementation Method 2
complementary protrusions and recesses within the interior of the folded over molded plastic member to provide for clamping of the ends of the strap member
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for adjustably joining the ends of a strap having ends. The clamp has top and bottom members, and at least one of the top and bottom members has a groove extending from one side to the other side of the clamp. The groove receives the ends of the strap so first portions of the ends of the strap are within the groove and at least one other second portion of the strap extends outward from the sides of the clamp. Complementary aligning portions are located on the top and bottom members to align the top and bottom members to capture the first portions of the ends of the strap by friction within the groove formed within the clamp. The length of the strap is adjusted by the second portion of the strap that extend outward from the sides of the clamp.