Asymmetric Interlocking Fastener for Precise Cap Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjustable baseball caps only allow size adjustments in large increments due to the 1:1 ratio of protrusions and apertures, failing to accommodate head sizes that do not match these predefined increments, leading to an inability to achieve finer adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a first and second fastener counterpart with interlocking counterparts, allowing for multiple connected configurations with varying overlaps and releasable couplings, enabling finer adjustments by changing the extent of overlap and number of coupled relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional adjustment mechanisms with 1:1 ratio of protrusions and apertures are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adjustment precision is poor and only large increments are allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate counterparts (first and second) with different numbers of interlocking features. The first counterpart has fewer protrusions while the second counterpart has more apertures, allowing for segmented adjustment positions that enable finer granularity in size adjustment compared to conventional 1:1 ratio designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by having the first and second fastener counterparts with unequal numbers of interlocking features. Specifically, the first counterpart has a different number of protrusions than the second counterpart has apertures, creating an asymmetric configuration that enables multiple connected configurations with varying overlap extents for precise adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of adjustment positions is increased to accommodate more head sizes, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system provides multi-functionality by enabling multiple connected configurations through the interaction of two counterparts with different numbers of interlocking features. This universal design allows a single fastener system to accommodate a wide range of head sizes and adjustment requirements without needing multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener allows dynamic adjustment by permitting the second fastener counterpart to overlap the first counterpart to varying extents, creating multiple connected configurations. This dynamic overlapping mechanism enables the system to adapt to different head sizes by changing the overlap configuration rather than requiring fixed predetermined positions.
3Measurement precision
If finer adjustment increments are implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener uses segmentation by providing discrete interlocking features (protrusions and apertures) at specific locations on each counterpart. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual features while enabling fine adjustment through the combinatorial arrangement of these features in multiple connected configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the overlap extent between the two fastener counterparts to achieve different adjustment positions. Instead of requiring precise manufacturing of every possible position, the system changes the overlap parameter to create multiple configurations, making manufacturing more feasible while maintaining fine adjustment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for incorporation into an article of clothing, for example an adjustable cap, is disclosed. The fastener includes a first fastener counterpart and a second fastener counterpart that are co-operatively configured to define a plurality of co-operating connection systems. Each one of the plurality of co-operating connection systems, independently, includes a plurality of first interlocking counterparts and a plurality of second interlocking counterparts. The first and second fastener counterparts are cooperatively configured for disposition in a plurality of connected configurations. The plurality of connected configurations includes at least one multi-coupled connected configuration defined by at least one operative adjacent pair of releasably coupled relationships and participating first interlocking counterparts are releasably coupled with corresponding or participating second interlocking counterparts so that at least one non-participating second interlocking counterpart is disposed between the participating ones of the second interlocking counterparts of the operative adjacent pair of releasably coupled relationships.