Adjustable Tightening Device Ratchet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective devices, such as waist-braces, suffer from poor connection strength between straps, leading to easy disengagement.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tightening device featuring a fastening mechanism with a through hole and annular gearing portion, an actuating member with elastic arms and a ratchet, and a rotatable member with abutting ribs, allowing for quick adjustment and unidirectional rotation to secure the straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional connection structure such as Velcro or buckle member is used to connect two straps, then the device can be tied to the human body, but the connection strength between the two connection structures is poor and the two straps are easy to disengage from each other
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into a first connection structure with an annular gearing portion and a second connection structure with a gearing track. These segmented components engage through gear-like interlocking, providing both ease of tying and strong connection. The segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while achieving reliable connection through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
A reel unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second connection structures. The reel unit with its winding mechanism mediates the connection by winding the second band portion around the first band portion, creating a secure attachment that is both easy to apply and difficult to disengage unintentionally.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented to prevent disengagement, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the ratchet and elastic arm system. When the reel unit is rotated to tighten the straps, the elastic arms automatically engage with the annular gearing portion, and the ratchet prevents reverse rotation. This self-locking mechanism provides secure connection without requiring complex external locking devices or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the elastic arms, which deform elastically during engagement and locking. The elastic arms bend to engage the annular gearing portion and return to their original shape to maintain the locked position. This parameter change (elastic deformation) provides a simple yet reliable locking mechanism that prevents disengagement without adding complexity.
3Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism with elastic arms is used to prevent reverse rotation, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism, elastic arms, and reel unit are merged into a single integrated assembly. The elastic arms are connected to the reel unit, and both work together with the annular gearing portion in a unified mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the stability and reliability of the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms serve multiple functions: they guide the reel unit during rotation, engage with the annular gearing portion to prevent reverse rotation, and provide a self-locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability and stability.
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
Enhances the connection strength between straps, enabling stable fixation and easy adjustment, preventing disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
the central shaft portion having a gear portion protruding axially therefrom and movably meshing with the gearing track of the at least one second band portion
Implementation Method 2
each of two elastic arms having a ratchet disengageably meshed with the annular gearing portion, the ratchet being radially movable between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 3
each of the two elastic arms radially extending away from the central shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable tightening device is provided, including: a fastening, an actuating member and a rotatable member. Wherein when the rotatable member is rotated toward a first direction, each abutting rib of the rotatable member is located in the third position, each of the two abutting ribs abuts against one of two elastic arms of the actuating member so that a ratchet is not meshed with an annular gearing portion of the fastening mechanism and a gear portion of the actuating member is rotatable toward the first direction; wherein when the rotatable member is rotated toward a second direction, each of the two abutting ribs is located in the fourth position, each of the two abutting ribs abuts against one of the two elastic arms so that the ratchet is meshed with the annular gearing portion and the gear portion is unidirectionally rotatable toward the second direction.