Attachment System With Friction Lug And Retention Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional attachment systems for consumer products are often cumbersome and aesthetically unpleasing, failing to provide a seamless and secure attachment to users.

Innovation Solution

An attachment system comprising a band with an insert portion and a lug featuring a cavity, retention member, and friction elements, which allows for a non-separable interlock with the lug, maintaining aesthetic properties while providing a secure and removable engagement with consumer products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attachment systems are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and aesthetically unpleasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidcumbersome system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into distinct components: a band with insert portion, a lug with cavity, retention members, and friction elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention member is positioned within the cavity of the lug, and the insert portion is received within the cavity. This nesting arrangement conceals the interlocking components within the lug structure, providing secure attachment while maintaining a clean, aesthetic appearance without external hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If traditional attachment systems are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the attachment is not aesthetically pleasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional external attachment hardware is extracted and replaced with an internal interlocking mechanism. The retention member and insert portion engage within the lug cavity, removing the need for visible external fasteners or clips, thus achieving aesthetic appeal while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the pin is advanced past the retention member, then the band is retained within the lug, but the pin must be elastically deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidpin structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity is designed with a groove that receives the pin after it passes the retention member. This groove provides a receiving structure that cushions the pin's deformation, allowing the pin to elastically deform past the retention member and then return to its undeformed shape, preventing permanent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity width varies along its length, with a narrower section at the retention member and a wider groove at the end. This parameter change allows the pin to pass through the constrained section and then expand into the wider groove, facilitating elastic deformation and recovery without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system offers a secure, removable, and aesthetically pleasing attachment solution for consumer products, enhancing both structural and functional aspects by concealing interlocking components, thus improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a friction element disposed at, and extending away from, an outer surface of the lug and defining a protrusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the length of the pin may be elastically deformable to the second width of the cavity. Upon the receipt of the pin by the groove, the pin may return to an undeformed shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10219591B2Attachment system for an electronic device

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to an attachment system for a consumer product and methods related to the manufacture thereof. In one aspect, an embodiment includes an attachment system including a band having an insert portion. The insert portion may include an aperture. The attachment system may further include a lug having a cavity and a friction element disposed at, and extending away from, an outer surface of the lug to define a protrusion. The attachment system may further include a pin and a retention member positioned within the cavity. The retention member may be configured to retain the pin within the aperture upon advancement of the pin past the retention member.