Ball-Bearing Leash Lock for Quick Surfboard Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attaching a leash to a surfboard or similar water sports equipment require untangling from a plug, which is cumbersome and difficult to disconnect for travel or other purposes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a male and female member configuration allowing for easy separation by hand pressure, utilizing ball bearings and a biasing member to transition between locked and unlocking positions, enabling the leash to be disconnected without untangling, and featuring a locking mechanism to secure the leash to the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional plug and cord connection is used to attach the leash to the board, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the disconnection process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring untangling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The first male member is divided into two distinct parts: an outer part that remains stationary and an inner part that slides within the outer part. This segmentation allows the inner part to be manipulated independently for unlocking while the outer part maintains the connection structure, enabling easy disconnection without untangling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static plug connection to a dynamic system where the inner part can slide within the outer part. The ball bearings provide dynamic locking positions that can be changed by applying force to the inner part, allowing the connection to switch between locked and unlocked states easily.
2Ease of operation
If a simple removable connection is used for the leash, then the disconnection is easy, but the connection security and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Ball bearings are introduced as intermediary elements between the inner and outer parts of the male member. These ball bearings act as mediators that provide secure locking when engaged with the outer part, yet can be easily disengaged by sliding the inner part, maintaining both connection security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of spherical ball bearings provides smooth rolling contact and secure locking positions. The spherical shape allows the balls to be retained within the outer part during normal use while enabling easy extraction when force is applied to the inner part, balancing security and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and retention functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The ball bearings simultaneously provide locking engagement with the outer part and retention within the inner part, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner part serves multiple functions: it acts as a handle for user manipulation, a guide for the ball bearings, and a movable component that controls the locking state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device.
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 quick and easy disconnection of the leash from the board without the need for untangling, enhancing user convenience and safety by allowing seamless transition between use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, for example, a spring or resilient plug, to push the first male member towards the locked position
Implementation Method 2
both parts being configured to receive ball bearings in an arrangement to permit the inner part to slidably move within the outer part
Data Source
AI summary
A device for removably attaching two pieces of an apparatus (such as a leg rope to a surfboard) together is described which has two members (a first male member and a second female member) that are movable to be in two positions, one a locked position and the other an unlocking position. The first male member is joined to a first piece of the apparatus (such as the leg rope) and the second female member is joined to the other piece of the apparatus (such as the surfboard). Ball bearings are located in the device in cavities movable under a predetermined plan to allow the device to join the two pieces together in a locked position and to allow the first piece to be removed from the second piece in the unlocking position, operable under hand pressure.