Reel-Based Closure Spool With Controlled Incremental Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure systems for articles like shoes and medical devices often require time-consuming adjustments and can accidentally loosen due to incidental contact, leading to discomfort and frequent re-tightening.
Innovation Solution
A reel-based closure device with a rotatable spool and knob system that includes a rotation control component to prevent accidental loosening, allowing for efficient tightening and incremental loosening of tension members, such as laces, while minimizing unwanted tension changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closure systems are used, then the article can be closed and secured, but the system requires time-consuming adjustments and frequent re-tightening due to accidental loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control component applies preliminary anti-action by preventing accidental loosening through a mechanical barrier (pawl and ratchet teeth engagement). The component is designed to block counterclockwise rotation of the spool unless a deliberate user action is taken, thereby counteracting the harmful effect of incidental contact causing loosening before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically maintaining tension through the pawl-ratchet mechanism that locks the spool in place after tightening. The closure system remains in a secured state without requiring continuous user intervention, and the rotation control component is already engaged to prevent accidental loosening before it happens.
2Reliability
If a rotation control component is added to prevent accidental loosening, then closure stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control component operates on a self-service principle where the pawl automatically engages with the ratchet teeth through spring pressure, and the system self-regulates to prevent accidental loosening without requiring external control mechanisms. The mechanical design allows the component to maintain its function through inherent mechanical properties rather than complex electronic or manual control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the spool is made freely rotatable to allow quick tightening, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental loosening becomes more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamics by allowing the spool to rotate freely in the tightening direction (clockwise) while automatically restricting rotation in the loosening direction (counterclockwise) through the pawl-ratchet mechanism. This dynamic behavior enables quick tightening operations while preventing accidental loosening, adapting the mechanical constraints based on the direction of applied force.
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 reel-based closure system enables quick and secure tightening of articles while preventing accidental loosening, enhancing user convenience and reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
wind a tension member about the spool
Implementation Method 2
unwind the tension member from about the spool
Data Source
AI summary
A reel based closure device includes a housing, a spool positioned within the interior region of the housing, a knob that is operably coupled with the spool and with the housing, and a rotation control component that is operably coupled with the knob. The knob is rotatable in a tightening direction to cause the spool to rotate within the housing and thereby wind the tension member about the spool. The knob is also rotatable in a loosening direction to cause the spool to rotate in an opposite direction within the housing and thereby unwind the tension member from about the spool. The rotation control component is configured to prevent accidental loosening of the tension member by inhibiting rotation of the knob in the loosening direction until a sufficient rotational force is exerted on the knob in the loosening direction.