Bungee Cord Loop With Flat-Surface Locking Against Ball Rollout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bungee ball devices are prone to the ball rolling out of engagement with the cord loop, leading to insecure retention of objects.
Innovation Solution
A molded one-piece bungee ball device with a cord loop and flat surfaces on both the ball and cord segments, along with a tab for easy gripping, ensures secure engagement by contacting flat surfaces when wrapped around objects, and allows for easy release by pulling the tab to stretch the cord loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a round ball is used in the bungee device, then the ball can roll freely for easy insertion, but the ball can also roll out of engagement leading to insecure retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a completely round ball to a ball with an asymmetric flat section. This flat section creates a non-circular geometry that prevents 360-degree rotation while maintaining ease of insertion. The asymmetric shape allows the ball to be inserted through the cord loop opening but prevents it from rolling completely out, as the flat section cannot pass through the loop in the same way a circular cross-section could.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the spherical shape by adding a flat section to the ball's surface. This partial flattening of the spherical geometry creates a shape that combines the rolling capability of a sphere with the engagement prevention of a flat surface. The curved portions allow for easy insertion while the flat section provides a stopping point that prevents complete disengagement.
2Reliability
If the cord loop is made tight to secure the ball, then retention is improved, but the device becomes difficult to release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the release function from the main ball body by adding a separate tab element extending from the cord loop. This tab can be pulled independently to stretch the cord and release the ball, separating the retention mechanism (ball shape) from the release mechanism (tab). Users can easily grab and pull the tab without needing to manipulate the entire cord loop or ball assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab acts as an intermediary element between the user's hand and the cord loop tensioning system. By providing a dedicated gripping point that extends beyond the cord loop, the tab mediates the force application needed to stretch the cord and release the ball. This intermediary structure makes the release action more accessible and requires less force than directly manipulating the cord loop itself.
3Reliability
If flat surfaces are added to the ball and cord to prevent rolling, then retention is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ball and cord loop into a single molded component rather than assembling separate parts. This integration allows the flat section on the ball and the corresponding flat surfaces on the cord to be formed simultaneously in one molding operation. The single-piece construction eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps to attach the cord to the ball and simplifies the overall production process while maintaining the engagement-stabilizing flat surfaces.
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 device provides a more secure hold on objects by engaging flat surfaces, reducing the likelihood of the ball slipping out and facilitating easy attachment and detachment with the tab feature.
Implementation Method 1
They comprise an elastic cord loop that is attached to a ball. The cord loop is wrapped around one or more objects and the cord loop is stretched so that the ball can be inserted through the opening formed by looped cord segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A bungee device includes an elongated shape portion and a cord loop having a pair of cord segments. The elongated shape portion has a flat part on it where the cord loop segments extend therefrom. The cord segment has at least one flat surface that engages the flat part of the elongated shape portion when the bungee device is in use. The cord can include a tab extending from a portion thereof. The tab makes it easier to grasp the cord and stretch it to allow the elongated shape portion to be removed from the space created by the cord segments and release the bungee device from its secured position. The elongated shape portion and cord loop have a one-piece molded construction. The flat part on the elongated shape portion and flat surface on the cord segment can be optional.