Cord Fixture With Segmented Slot For Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cord fixtures fail to securely retain cords, leading to accidental dislodgement and inadequate stress distribution, especially under tension, due to the lack of a secure locking mechanism and tactile feedback.
Innovation Solution
A cord fixture with a slot having a neck portion and an enlarged end portion that provides tactile feedback and evenly distributes stress, featuring a pinch point to prevent dislodgement, allowing for secure retention of cords of varying diameters through a multi-part enlarged end portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple slot is used to retain the cord, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cord can be accidentally dislodged and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is segmented into distinct functional zones: a neck portion with a pinch point for locking the cord, and an enlarged end portion for stress distribution. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck portion acts as an intermediary element between the cord and the enlarged end portion. It provides a transition zone that guides the cord into the correct position and secures it before the cord enters the main retention area, preventing accidental dislodgement.
2Reliability
If a narrow slot is used to secure the cord, then the cord retention is improved, but the stress distribution deteriorates under tension
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is divided into a narrow neck portion for secure retention and a wide enlarged end portion for stress distribution. This segmentation allows the structure to provide both strong cord holding capability and even stress distribution under tension loads.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the slot have different geometries optimized for different functions: the neck portion has a narrow pinch point geometry optimized for cord retention, while the enlarged end portion has a wider geometry optimized for stress distribution. Each local region has the quality needed for its specific function.
3Manufacturing precision
If a slot without tactile feedback is used, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slot configuration provides tactile feedback to the user during cord insertion. As the cord passes through the neck portion and into the enlarged end portion, the user can feel the change in geometry, confirming proper insertion and locking without requiring visual inspection or complex sensing mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If a single-size slot is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates for different cord diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The enlarged end portion of the slot has a geometry that can accommodate various cord diameters. The gradual expansion from the neck portion allows cords of different sizes to be properly retained while maintaining a simple single-piece slot design without requiring multiple specialized slots for different cord types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a cord fixture for attachment to a cord. The cord fixture includes a body having at least one side wall, and a slot in the at least one side wall for retaining the cord therein when the cord is in a fixed condition. The slot has a neck portion and an enlarged end portion adjacent the neck portion. The neck portion is configured to guide the cord into the enlarged end portion such that the cord can be releasably retained within the enlarged end portion.