Belt Retractor With Axially Offset Elastic Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bags such as shoulder bags and backpacks face issues with strap management, as the strap can get in the way and get caught when placed on a train rack or the ground, and existing solutions are not easily adaptable to these types of bags.
Innovation Solution
A belt retractor system with an outer member, a core member, and an elastic member that allows the strap to be inserted and wound around the core member, storing it between the core and outer members, with an engagement mechanism to adjust the strap length, preventing the strap from hanging down and getting caught.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the strap is made long and adjustable for different body sizes, then the bag can be worn comfortably by different users, but the strap gets in the way and gets caught when the bag is placed on a train rack or the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an automatic retraction mechanism that allows the strap to dynamically change its effective length. The strap can be extended when needed for wearing and automatically retracts when not in use, transforming from a static fixed-length strap to a dynamic adjustable strap that adapts to different usage states, thereby preventing it from getting caught while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the excess strap length from the visible and functional portion of the strap system. By incorporating a retraction mechanism, the unnecessary or unused portion of the strap is taken out and stored internally within the bag structure, leaving only the required functional length exposed, thus preventing the strap from getting caught on objects.
2Ease of operation
If a belt retractor mechanism is added to automatically wind and store the strap, then the strap can be kept compact and organized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing an automatic retraction mechanism that operates without user intervention. The strap automatically winds itself back into the bag using elastic force or spring mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual rolling or tying operations. This self-service functionality simplifies strap management while the automated nature reduces the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical operations (rolling, tying, securing) with a simpler automated mechanical system. Instead of requiring users to manually manipulate the strap through multiple steps, the invention substitutes these manual operations with an automatic retraction mechanism driven by elastic or spring forces, reducing the operational complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
3Volume of moving object
If the elastic member is provided at a position axially offset from the belt winding portion, then the core member can be made thin and the retractor can be made compact, but the structural design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by relocating the elastic member from the axial position (along the rotation axis) to a radial or lateral position (perpendicular to the rotation axis). This spatial reconfiguration allows the core member to maintain a thin axial profile while still accommodating the elastic mechanism, achieving compactness in the critical axial dimension without compromising the retraction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nesting principle by integrating the elastic member and its mounting structure within the internal cavity or hollow space of the core member. The elastic component is nested inside or along the rotation axis of the core member, allowing both components to occupy the same spatial envelope. This nested arrangement enables the core member to remain thin and compact while housing the elastic mechanism necessary for automatic retraction.
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 belt retractor system effectively keeps the strap compact and adjustable, preventing it from getting in the way and ensuring it remains organized, even when the bag is not in use, by automatically winding and storing the strap, thus enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (a spring 5) forced to rotate the core member (the cylinder member 3 and the pin member 4) against the outer member (2)
Implementation Method 2
the belt retractor is a belt retractor in which the strap belt is wound around the core member and stored between the core member and the outer member by rotating the core member against the outer member
Data Source
AI summary
A belt retractor comprises: an outer member into which the strap belt can be inserted; core parts rotatably provided inside the outer member; and, an elastic member provided between the core parts and the outer member at a position axially displaced with respect to a belt winding part in the core parts, the core parts having an insertion part into which the strap belt is inserted, and the strap belt winding around the core parts and being stored between the core parts and the outer member by the core parts rotating relative to the outer member according to the bias of the elastic member with the insertion part gripping the belt.