Collapsible Cord Loop Fastener for Leak-Free Balloon Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners for inflatable articles, such as balloons, often cause dexterity challenges, are prone to leaking, and can damage the balloon material, and are not easily removable or reusable.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible loop fastener apparatus made of flexible cord with locking structures and an eyelet portion, allowing for easy inflation and sealing of inflatable articles without permanent damage, and enabling repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid fasteners are used to seal the balloon neck, then the sealing function is achieved, but the fastener can cause damage to the balloon neck due to contact with latex material
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is constructed from flexible cord material that matches or is compatible with the balloon material (both latex or both plastic), eliminating the harmful interaction between dissimilar materials. This homogeneity in material composition prevents damage to the balloon neck while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces rigid fastener structures with flexible cord and collapsible loop mechanisms. The flexible cord can conform to the balloon neck shape without creating stress concentration points, and the collapsible loop provides a gentle constriction force that seals without damaging the underlying material.
2Reliability
If tying the balloon neck is used to seal the balloon, then the sealing function is achieved, but it presents dexterity challenges for many users
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The collapsible loop with locking structures allows users to simply pull the cord to tighten and lock the seal, without requiring complex manual dexterity for tying knots. The mechanism performs the sealing function automatically once activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex manual knot-tying mechanical system with a simpler cord-pulling and locking mechanism. The locking structures (such as friction locks or interlocking elements) substitute for the intricate finger movements required for traditional knotting, making the operation accessible to users with limited dexterity.
3Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used to seal the balloon, then the sealing function is achieved, but they are permanent and not easily removable or reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structures are designed to be dynamically reversible. Users can easily release the lock by applying a simple action (such as pulling a release tab or pushing a button), allowing the fastener to be removed and reused on multiple balloons. This dynamic locking mechanism provides both secure sealing during use and easy release for reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed as a recoverable component rather than a single-use item. The durable flexible cord and reusable locking structures allow the fastener to be removed from one balloon and applied to another, extending its service life and eliminating waste associated with disposable sealing methods.
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 apparatus provides a secure, leak-proof seal with reduced dexterity requirements, prevents damage to inflatable articles, and allows for repeated use, improving user accessibility and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
two lengths of flexible cord... An end of the at least one non-eyelet portion is insertable through the eyelet portion to form a collapsible loop capable of constricting a neck of an inflatable article
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable article fastener apparatus includes two lengths of flexible cord. First and second locking structures are connected to the two lengths of flexible cord, wherein the first and second locking structures are located at a spaced distance apart from one another on the two lengths of flexible cord. An eyelet portion is formed between the first and second locking structures and at least one non-eyelet portion is formed outside of the first and second locking structure. An end of the at least one non-eyelet portion is insertable through the eyelet portion to form a collapsible loop capable of constricting a neck of an inflatable article positioned within the collapsible loop. A locked position of the collapsible loop is achieved when the first locking structure is pulled through the eyelet portion.