Compliant Cable Lock with Radially Inward Engaging Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable-lock devices for securing shoelaces and drawstrings often require dexterity and finger strength to open, and they lack control over resistance in different directions of travel, making them less user-friendly and adjustable.
Innovation Solution
A cable lock design featuring a compliant insert with radially inward cable engaging features that toggle over-center when reversing direction, requiring more force than continued translation, and a rigid housing with apertures to manage resistance levels, utilizing materials with different Shore hardness scales for compliance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multi-piece spring-loaded clamps are used to secure cables, then the cable can be temporarily clamped, but the device requires dexterity and finger strength to open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spring-loaded clamp pieces into a single integrated cable lock body with compliant cable-engaging features. The compliant features are formed as integral parts of the housing rather than separate components, eliminating the need for multiple pieces while maintaining the clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable lock utilizes the cable's own tension to engage and secure the compliant cable-engaging features. When the cable is pulled taut, the compliant features naturally deflect and lock into position against the cable, requiring no additional finger strength or dexterity to secure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cable locks provide uniform resistance, then the structure is simple, but they cannot provide different resistance levels for tightening versus preventing untensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-engaging features are designed with asymmetric geometry that provides different resistance characteristics for opposite directions of cable movement. The features have a grain direction that offers lower resistance when the cable is being tightened (pulled in the tightening direction) and higher resistance when the cable attempts to relax or be pulled back.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant cable-engaging features change their mechanical parameters (stiffness, engagement depth) based on the direction and magnitude of cable tension. When the cable is pulled tight, the features deflect and engage more deeply, providing secure locking. When the cable is pulled in the opposite direction, the features maintain a different engagement state that prevents over-tensioning.
3Strength
If rigid housing material is used for durability, then the structure is strong, but the cable engaging features cannot deflect compliantly
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is constructed with different material properties in different regions: the main housing body uses a harder, more rigid material for structural strength and durability, while the cable-engaging features are formed from a softer, more compliant material that can deflect and conform to the cable surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable lock employs composite construction with at least two different materials having different Shore Durometer hardness values. The housing uses a first material with higher hardness for strength, while the cable-engaging features use a second material with lower hardness for compliance, creating a multi-material component that achieves both durability and flexibility.
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
Provides controlled resistance for dynamic and static movements, minimizing component count and assembly complexity, while allowing lower resistance for tightening and higher resistance for preventing untensioning, enhancing usability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the insert formed from a second material that is softer than the first material, the insert comprising a plurality of cable engaging features extending radially inward from a perimeter of the aperture, the plurality of cable engaging features being adapted to deflect away from a neutral, unstressed plane when a cable is drawn through the opening
Implementation Method 2
reversing the direction of travel of the cable relative to the lock requires the cable engaging member to toggle over-center, which requires a greater amount of force than would be required with continued translation in the original direction
Implementation Method 3
The housing defines an aperture and is formed from a first material. The insert is provided at least partially within the aperture and defining an opening, the insert formed from a second material that is softer than the first material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A cable lock adapted to temporarily maintain a static position along a cable strung through an article of footwear or apparel includes a housing and a compliant insert. The housing defines an aperture and is formed from a first material. The aperture extends through a thickness of the housing to provide access to the cable. The insert is provided at least partially within the aperture and defining an opening, the insert formed from a second material that is softer than the first material, the insert comprising a plurality of cable engaging features extending radially inward from a perimeter of the aperture, the plurality of cable engaging features being adapted to deflect away from a neutral, unstressed plane when a cable is drawn through the opening.