Adjusting Strap for Flexible Tube Orifice Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the tube orifice diameter of flexible tube-shaped objects, such as sleeves, are aesthetically unpleasing and inefficient, as they require fixing the sleeve to align hook and loop fasteners, leading to incomplete constriction and potential detachment due to external rubbing.
Innovation Solution
An adjusting strap with a dual-layer structure and magnetic or hook-and-loop components that allows for one-handed operation by passing through an avoidance hole and interlayer, ensuring the tube orifice shrinks inward without rotating, while the excess strap is stored to prevent rubbing and maintain aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hook and loop fastener is used to adjust the tube orifice diameter, then the tube orifice can be constricted, but the sleeve rotates toward the pulling direction causing misalignment and incomplete constriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hook and loop fastener mechanical system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic member in the head portion interacts with the magnetic or gravitational member in the tail portion to provide holding force, eliminating the need for mechanical alignment and fastening operations that cause rotation and misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the head portion and tail portion. This magnetic intermediary provides non-contact holding force, allowing the adjusting strap to function without direct mechanical contact that would cause rotation and alignment issues.
2Ease of operation
If the pull piece extends beyond the loop face without storage, then the adjustment function is maintained, but the appearance lacks aesthetics and the pull piece can be rubbed causing detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the tail portion containing the magnetic or gravitational member inside the interlayer formed between the inner and outer annular walls of the flexible tube-shaped object. This nested configuration hides the functional components within the structure, maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the interlayer (a thin film structure between inner and outer walls) as a housing for the tail portion. This flexible shell approach allows the functional components to be concealed within the layered structure, achieving both aesthetics and functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the tube orifice is constricted by pulling the sleeve, then the diameter is reduced, but the tube orifice springs back becoming loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pulling system with a magnetic or gravitational holding system. The magnetic member and magnetic or gravitational member create a holding force that maintains the constricted state without continuous pulling, preventing spring-back and ensuring stable constriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the adjusting strap to maintain its constriction function autonomously through magnetic attraction or gravitational force. Once the head portion and tail portion are positioned, the magnetic or gravitational interaction automatically maintains the constricted state without requiring continuous user input or mechanical tension.
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
Facilitates easy, one-handed adjustment of the tube orifice diameter without rotation, maintaining the object's appearance and preventing detachment by securely storing the strap, thus providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing constriction.
Implementation Method 1
the head portion comprises a first housing and a magnetic member built in the first housing, the tail portion comprises a positioning member built in the second housing and available for the attachment of the magnetic member
Implementation Method 2
the positioning member comprises multiple metal bars magnetically attachable to the magnetic member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjusting strap adjusts the tube orifice diameter of a flexible tube-shaped object and has an inner annular wall, an outer annular wall, and an interlayer between the inner annular wall and the outer annular wall. The adjusting strap has a head portion, a tail portion, and a flexible rope strap portion between the head portion and the tail portion. The tail portion comprises a tail housing, and an avoidance hole passing through the tail housing and available for the head portion and the rope strap portion to pass through. When the adjusting strap is mounted in the flexible tube-shaped object, the head portion passes through the avoidance hole and penetrates the outer annular wall of the flexible tube-shaped object, the rope strap portion is partially received in the interlayer, and the tail portion is completely received in the interlayer and is connected to the flexible tube-shaped object.