Concealed Cord Lock Assembly for Stable Low-Friction Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cord locks that are only attached to the cord and not to the article can be lost or misplaced, and may be flung about by the cord, causing undesirable movement.
Innovation Solution
A cord lock design that includes a first and second cord-clamp bar with protruding members and a biasing element, allowing for slidable adjustment of the cord length while being at least partially concealed within an article, reducing frictional resistance by aligning apertures and channels upon force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cord lock is only attached to the cord and not to the article, then the cord lock can be easily disconnected from the cord for adjustment, but the cord lock can be lost or misplaced and may be flung about by the cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cord lock mechanism with the article structure by integrating it into a tubular casing formed by the article layer. The cord lock is positioned within the tubular casing and is not easily removable, while still allowing cord adjustment through the integrated design. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord lock is nested within the tubular casing formed by the article layer, creating a hierarchical structure where the cord lock is contained within the article structure. This nesting allows the cord lock to be securely retained while still functioning for cord adjustment, addressing both the ease of operation and reliability concerns.
2Ease of operation
If the cord lock components are positioned to reduce frictional resistance, then the cord can slide more easily for length adjustment, but the cord lock may move or shift during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic design where the cord lock components can move relative to each other to reduce friction when force is applied, allowing easy cord adjustment. The biasing element enables this dynamic movement, while the overall structure within the tubular casing maintains positional stability during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element pre-positions the cord lock components to align apertures and channels, creating a state of reduced friction before cord adjustment is needed. This preliminary positioning allows smooth cord sliding while the biasing force maintains component alignment and stability during use.
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 cord lock effectively adjusts cord length with reduced frictional resistance and is securely integrated into the article, preventing loss and minimizing unwanted movement.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element coupled between the first cord-clamp bar and the second cord-clamp bar
Data Source
AI summary
A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a length of cord. The cord lock may include a first cord-clamp bar and a second cord-clamp bar that are movably coupled to each other, to allow control of frictional resistance on a cord threaded through various apertures and cord-receiving channels of the cord lock. The cord lock may be incorporated into an article such that it is at least partially concealed within an article layer.