Cord Lock Bottom-Mounted Pivot Reduces Side Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cord locks require a certain thickness for side face portions to accommodate a pivotal support structure, which restricts the thickness and shape flexibility, and can be cumbersome in operation.

Innovation Solution

A cord lock design featuring a first and second member with passage portions and an urging device, where the support point is formed by engaging portions, allowing the cord to pass through without increasing thickness, and enabling easy operation and shape flexibility by using an elastically deformable urging device and guide walls for smooth cord guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a pivotal support structure (shaft and shaft hole) is used to combine the main member and pressing member, then the structural stability is improved, but the thickness of the side face portions must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthickness of side face portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pivotal support structure (shaft and shaft hole) from the side face portions and relocates it to the bottom face portion. This allows the side face portions to be made thinner while maintaining the rotational support function through the bottom-mounted shaft mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of the pivotal support from a side-face-based structure to a bottom-face-based structure. By moving the shaft support to the bottom face portion, the design achieves the same rotational function without increasing side face thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a through hole structure is used for cord passage in the pressing member, then the cord can pass through easily, but the thickness and shape flexibility of the cord lock is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecord passage easeVSAvoidshape flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cord passage function into multiple segments: the through hole in the pressing member for initial cord insertion, and the groove structure in the bottom face portion for guiding and securing the cord. This segmentation allows easy cord passage while maintaining shape flexibility through the modular passage design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the groove structure as an intermediary element between the through hole and the cord securing mechanism. The groove guides the cord from the through hole to the engagement position, enabling easy cord passage while preserving design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support point is formed by a shaft and shaft hole structure, then the rotational movement is stable, but the thickness of the cord lock is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidthickness of cord lock
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shaft and shaft hole structure from the side face portions and relocates it to the bottom face portion. This allows the cord lock to maintain rotational stability while reducing the thickness requirements of the side face portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement of the pivotal support from side-face-based to bottom-face-based. This dimensional change enables stable rotational movement without increasing the overall thickness of the cord lock body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design minimizes the influence on cord lock thickness and shape, allowing for easier operation and greater flexibility in cord lock design, ensuring secure fastening and easy release with reduced thickness and enhanced usability.

Implementation Method 1

an urging device urging the second member in a standing direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3248496B1Cord lock
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 NIFCO INC
  • EP3248496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3248496B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3248496B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cord lock includes a first member having a first passage portion and a second passage portion for a cord; a second member combined with the first member so as to be capable of moving to rise and fall as a support point on the second passage portion side, and including a third passage portion positioned between the first passage portion and the second passage portion on a free end side of the rising and falling movement, and passing the cord through; and an urging device urging the second member in a standing direction. The support point is formed by an engaging portion formed in one of the first member and the second member, and an engaged portion formed in the other of those, and engaged with the engaging portion, and the cord pulled out of the second passage portion is positioned on a free end side of the second member more than the support point.