Annular Ponytail Holder with Nested Flexible Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ponytail holders fail to effectively increase the diameter of a ponytail for individuals with thin hair, as inserts often slip out or require additional accessories, and existing solutions are difficult to handle and adjust.
Innovation Solution
A ponytail holder with an annular shape formed by an outer and inner holding strip, where the outer strip is continuous with closure formations at its ends, creating an enclosed volume to enhance diameter and prevent slippage, made from flexible plastic with optional inserts for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an insert is arranged inside the ponytail to increase diameter, then the ponytail appears more voluminous, but the insert slips out or requires additional accessories to secure
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is merged with the ponytail holder by connecting the inner holding strip to the outer holding strip, creating a single integrated unit. This eliminates the problem of the insert slipping out separately, as both components work together as one secure structure that encapsulates the hair.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is nested within the ponytail holder structure, with the inner holding strip positioned inside the outer holding strip. This nested arrangement allows the insert to provide volumetric support while being contained and secured by the outer holder, preventing displacement.
2Volume of moving object
If an insert is used to increase ponytail diameter, then volume is enhanced, but additional accessories like hair ties are required
Solution Approach 1:
The ponytail holder combines multiple functions into a single device: the outer and inner holding strips work together to both secure the hair and provide the desired volumetric effect. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate inserts and hair ties, reducing the total number of accessories required.
Solution Approach 2:
The ponytail holder performs multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the ponytail, provides structural support, and creates the desired volume enhancement. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate accessories.
3Reliability
If holding strips are made tightly fitted to secure hair, then hold is stronger, but the holder becomes difficult to open and handle
Solution Approach 1:
The ponytail holder is segmented into an outer holding strip and an inner holding strip, with the closure formation located on the outer strip. This segmentation allows the closure mechanism to be positioned on the outer element, making it accessible for opening and closing while the inner strip maintains the secure hold on the hair.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure formation acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the need for secure holding and ease of operation. By placing the closure on the outer holding strip rather than requiring manipulation of both strips simultaneously, the design simplifies the opening and closing action while maintaining secure hair containment.
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 ponytail holder provides a larger diameter appearance without visible inserts and secure hold, easy to handle and adjust, using flexible plastic and optional inserts for varying hair volumes, ensuring a stable and customizable fit.
Implementation Method 1
The holding strips are made of a flexible plastic material, so that when the closure is open, the annular shape can be bent open and the hair can be placed in the intermediate space between the two holding strips
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a ponytail holder which in the closed state has an annular shape and is formed from an outer and an inner holding strip (4, 5), between which the hair forming the ponytail can be received, wherein the outer holding strip (4) is made to be continuous and is provided with a respective closure formation (6, 8) at each of its end portions so that the end portions can be fixed to each other in the closed state, and wherein the inner holding strip (5) is connected to the outer holding strip (4) inwardly of the closure formations (6, 8).