Clamping Device for Wire Elements with Self-Actuating Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for wire elements, such as helmet straps and shoe laces, are complex to use, especially in collective settings where users are not familiar with the equipment, making it difficult for instructors to adjust helmets securely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a movable clamping member and operating cover, driven by a mechanism allowing free movement along a first axis, which can be actuated to block or release the wire element, featuring stop elements and flexible means for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a clamping device with meshing knobs and racks is used for helmet adjustment, then precise and efficient adjustment is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to use for instructors in collective settings and requires user learning
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device automatically engages and disengages through intuitive pulling motions. When the user pulls the lace or strap, the clamping member automatically releases without requiring manual manipulation of knobs or knowledge of meshing mechanisms, making it self-adjusting and easy for instructors to use in collective settings
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to actively engage the clamping mechanism through complex knob operations, the device is designed to automatically disengage when pulled. The intuitive operation reverses the traditional approach: pulling the lace/strap releases the clamp rather than tightening it, eliminating the need for learning while maintaining precision
2Reliability
If a clamping device requiring manual manipulation of knobs is used, then secure blocking is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and not intuitive for users
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically responds to user input through intuitive pulling motions. The clamping member engages or disengages based on the direction and force of the pull, eliminating the need for manual knob manipulation and making the operation immediately intuitive while maintaining secure blocking through automatic engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides immediate tactile feedback through the pulling motion itself. Users can feel when the clamping member engages or disengages through the resistance or ease of pulling, creating an intuitive connection between user action and device response without requiring visual guidance or knowledge of internal mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If flexible tabs are used to push the clamping member in a shoe lace device, then tightening becomes intuitive, but the mechanism becomes complex for helmet adjustment use
Solution Approach 1:
The complex flexible tab mechanism is removed entirely from the helmet adjustment device. Instead, a simpler clamping member mounted on a pivot point is used, which responds directly to pulling motions without requiring intermediate flexible elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining intuitiveness for the specific application
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device is segmented into independent functional components: a pivot point for rotation, a clamping member for blocking, and a lace/strap for actuation. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its function simply, reducing overall device complexity compared to integrated flexible tab mechanisms
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
Enables easy and secure adjustment of wire elements, such as helmet straps and laces, facilitating intuitive use even in collective settings by allowing tensioning and loosening without direct visual guidance, ensuring proper fit and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring arranged between the top wall of the body and the clamping member and designed to apply a pushing force on the rod in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device has a body, at least one clamping member and an operating cover. The clamping member blocks at least one of the wire elements. The body has a cavity for passage a wire element and to house a clamping member, so that the clamping member is movable in the cavity along a first axis to a blocking position of the wire element. The operating cover is movable along the first axis relative to the body, and allows movement of the clamping member relative to the body along the first axis. The clamping device also has a drive device of the clamping member. The drive device enables free movement of the clamping member along the first axis with respect to the operating cover and with respect to the body, and enables movement of the clamping member away from the blocking position by actuation of the operating cover.