Cable Clasp With Self-Biasing Lock For Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable clasp designs are difficult to use, particularly for heavy objects, and are prone to tangling and damage due to their open-loop structure, which makes them less durable and more challenging to store.
Innovation Solution
A cable clasp design featuring a tail with an engagement face and a handle that defines a mouth opening, allowing the clasp to pivot between open and closed positions, with a lock mechanism and elastic element to bias the clasp towards the closed position, enhancing usability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable clasps are designed with an open-loop structure to permit easy opening, then ease of operation is improved, but the free ends become vulnerable to damage and the clasps become prone to tangling when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clasp is pre-biased toward the closed-loop position by the elastic element, so that upon release it automatically closes and secures itself without requiring manual intervention to maintain the closed position, thereby protecting the free ends before damage can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides self-biasing force that automatically returns the cable clasp to its closed-loop position after opening, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and ensuring the free ends remain protected without continuous user intervention
2Ease of operation
If cable clasps are designed with an open-loop structure allowing free movement, then ease of operation is improved, but the clasps become tangled when stored together
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clasp is pre-configured with elastic bias toward the closed position, causing it to automatically assume a compact, non-tangling configuration upon release, preventing entanglement with other clasps during storage without requiring manual intervention
3Ease of operation
If cable clasps require manual closing of the loop, then control over the closing action is improved, but the operation becomes difficult when handling heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element acts as a counterbalancing force that assists the user in closing the loop by providing a pre-tensioned return force, effectively reducing the net force the user must apply to overcome the weight and resistance of the cable clasp components
Solution Approach 2:
The cable clasp transitions from a static, manually-held closed position to a dynamic, spring-assisted closing action, where the elastic element provides continuous force assistance during the closing motion, making it easier to handle heavy objects
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 design facilitates easy use, reduces tangling, and increases durability by maintaining the clasp in a closed position, supporting articles securely and preventing damage from external contact.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element engaging the handle and the tail and biasing the clasp towards the closed-loop position
Data Source
AI summary
A cable clasp comprises a tail including an engagement face. The cable clasp further comprises a head including a handle that connects to the tail and defines a mouth opening into which the tail is movable. The cable clasp is biased towards a closed-loop position in which at least a portion of the tail is disposed in the mouth opening. The head further includes a lock having a catch engageable with the engagement face in a lock position to: 1) prevent motion of the tail relative to the head in a first direction, and 2) permit motion of the tail relative to the head in a second direction opposite the first direction by sliding the catch over the engagement face. The catch and the engagement face are also disengageable in a release position to permit motion of the tail relative to the head in both the first and second directions.