Low-Profile Cord Retainer With Angled Grip for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cord tightening devices are unreliable in securing cords tightly, especially in tight spaces, often requiring manual tying due to their design limitations and added cost for effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile cord tightening and retaining device with angled surfaces, recesses, and teeth to securely hold cords in a taut position, featuring moveable fingers that snap into place to retain the cords, allowing easy operation in confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cord tightening devices are used, then cord connection is achieved, but the device cannot securely hold cords tightly especially in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates moveable fingers that can transition between open and closed positions. The fingers are biased in the closed position by a spring mechanism, automatically gripping the cord when inserted. This dynamic mechanism allows easy operation in tight spaces while ensuring reliable cord retention without manual tying.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a spring-biased finger mechanism that automatically engages and secures the cord upon insertion. The user simply inserts the cord through the bore, and the biased fingers self-actuate to grip and retain the cord in the recess, eliminating the need for manual tying or complex adjustment operations.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cord tightening devices are used, then cord connection is possible, but manual tying is required due to design limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased fingers automatically engage the cord when it is inserted through the bore into the recess. The fingers are pre-loaded in the closed position, so they immediately grip the cord without requiring any additional user action. This self-securing mechanism provides both ease of operation and reliable cord retention, eliminating manual tying.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual tying mechanism with a mechanical spring-biased finger system. Instead of requiring the user to perform the complex manual action of tying knots, the spring mechanism automatically performs the securing function through mechanical force, providing more reliable and easier cord connection.
3Reliability
If effective cord tightening solutions are provided, then cord retention is improved, but added cost is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single component: the body with bore provides cord passage, the recess provides cord positioning, and the biased fingers provide automatic gripping and retention. This multi-functional integration achieves reliable cord retention while avoiding the need for multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased finger mechanism is a simple, self-actuating component that requires no external power source or complex control system. The spring provides the necessary gripping force automatically, making the device reliable yet simple and cost-effective to manufacture compared to powered or electronically controlled alternatives.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for retaining a cord comprises a body having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is spaced from or disposed at an angle relative to the first surface. The body defines a recess disposed on and extending along the first surface. The body defines a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is disposed adjacent the recess and the second opening is disposed on the second surface. The body defines a bore that extends between the first opening and the second opening to allow the cord to extend through the body. A plurality of teeth extend from opposing walls of the recess for engaging the cord to retain the cord in a taut position.