Clip-on Earplug Case with Snap Bolt Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earplug containers, especially those designed for active occupations, lack secure attachment methods that prevent the earplug from being easily accessible and secure, as chain-mounted closed clips tend to flop around and get loose or damage clothing.
Innovation Solution
A snap bolt is rigidly attached to the earplug container using an E-clip, providing a secure and compact attachment mechanism that can be hung from clothing, with additional embodiments featuring metal or plastic construction and varying lid mechanisms for enhanced security and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chain-mounted closed clips are used for earplug containers, then accessibility is improved, but the device becomes unstable and may damage clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the attachment system into two distinct components: a snap bolt mechanism for secure attachment and a carabiner clip for accessibility. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the snap bolt provides stable attachment to clothing while the carabiner enables easy access to the earplugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The carabiner clip is nested within or integrated with the snap bolt mechanism, creating a compact dual-function attachment system. The earplug container is then attached to the carabiner, which itself is attached to the snap bolt that secures to clothing, forming a nested hierarchy of attachment elements that combines stability with accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If smooth exterior containers are used, then ease of insertion into pockets is improved, but secure attachment to clothing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate solutions - the smooth container design for pocket carry and the snap bolt attachment mechanism for clothing attachment - into a single integrated system. The container maintains its smooth exterior for easy pocket insertion while simultaneously incorporating the snap bolt attachment that provides reliable clothing attachment, eliminating the need to choose between the two approaches.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid attachment mechanisms are used, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snap bolt mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides stable attachment to clothing, acts as a mounting point for the carabiner clip, and maintains a compact profile that does not interfere with pocket insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the enhanced stability provided by the rigid attachment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An earplug container is combined with a reusable clip such as a snap bolt fastener and the clip is rigidly attached to a wall of the container, for example by an E-clip or by integral molding. The resulting clip-on earplug container provides a secure and compact earplug case for attachment to the exterior of clothing of an active user such as a lumberjack or tree trimmer. Other exemplary embodiments are also described.