Semi-Concealed Cord-Lock Assembly for Retention and 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 inconveniently flung about by the cord, as they are not securely integrated into the article.
Innovation Solution
A semi-concealed cord-lock assembly that integrates a cord lock with an article layer, using a biasing element to misalign through-channels and provide adjustable resistance, allowing the cord to be adjusted while being partially concealed within the article, thereby preventing loss and reducing cord movement.
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 and adjusted, but the cord lock can be lost or misplaced and flung about by the cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cord lock mechanism with the article structure by integrating it into the aperture collar or article layer. This merging ensures the cord lock remains attached to both the cord and the article simultaneously, preventing loss while maintaining adjustability through the integrated design that allows cord passage through the article layer.
2Reliability
If the cord lock is integrated into the article layer, then the cord lock is secure and prevents loss, but the cord lock becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture collar serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the article opening, guides the cord passage, and integrates the cord lock mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining several components into one universal element that handles both structural and cord control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord lock mechanism is nested within the aperture collar structure or article layer. The cord lock housing is positioned within the aperture collar, and the biasing element is contained within the cord lock assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining secure retention.
3Reliability
If the cord lock is integrated into the article layer, then the cord lock is concealed and secure, but the cord adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element automatically maintains misalignment of the through-channels to prevent cord slippage without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex adjustment devices. The spring-loaded plunger self-regulates cord tension and position, providing automatic cord retention and adjustment functionality that simplifies the overall mechanism while ensuring secure concealed integration.
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 integration of the cord lock with the article layer prevents loss and minimizes cord movement, ensuring secure adjustment and maintenance of the cord length while maintaining a concealed and secure integration.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element coupled between the first portion and the second portion. The biasing element provides a force in a first direction to misalign the first through-channel and the second through-channel
Data Source
AI summary
A cord-lock assembly for slidably adjusting a length of cord is provided. The assembly may include various components such as a cord, a cord lock, and an article layer into which the cord lock and cord may be at least partially integrated. The cord lock may include one or more components that releasably clamp onto the cord and engage the cord through resistance provided by a biasing element. The cord-lock assembly may be configured such that a force applied to the cord lock in axial alignment with an aperture in which the cord lock is positioned allows adjustment of a length of cord extending through the cord lock and/or through the aperture layer.