Interconnecting Corks via Internal String Passageways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining multiple similar elements, such as bottle corks, often rely on visible attachment means like adhesives or cordage, which can be aesthetically unappealing and lack structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating passageways in bottle corks through which elongated flexible string material is threaded and drawn together, forming hidden knots for secure interconnection, eliminating visible attachment and enhancing structural cohesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive or cordage is used to join multiple corks, then the attachment method is simple and widely available, but the attachment means become visible and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible attachment means (adhesive or cordage) from the exterior of the cork assembly and relocates it to the interior passageways. The string material is threaded through internal channels and knotted within the cork structure, completely removing visible attachment evidence from the exterior surfaces while maintaining the joining function.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment string is nested within the cork's internal passageway structure. The string material is contained inside the cork's hollow channels, with the knot hidden within the cork body. This nesting approach allows the attachment mechanism to be concealed while still providing secure joining of multiple corks.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive or cordage is used to join multiple corks, then the attachment process is straightforward, but the structural integrity and cohesion of the assembly is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cork passageways are pre-formed during the cork manufacturing process, creating ready-made channels for string insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for drilling or creating passageways during assembly, maintaining simplicity while enabling the stronger internal string-joining mechanism to be effectively implemented.
Solution Approach 2:
The string material acts as an intermediary element that transfers and distributes mechanical loads through the cork assembly. By threading the string through multiple corks and forming internal knots, the load is distributed across multiple connection points rather than concentrated at single attachment sites, significantly improving overall structural integrity.
3Shape
If passageways are created in corks and string material is threaded through them, then visible attachment is eliminated, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The passageways are created during the cork manufacturing process rather than during assembly. This preliminary action integrates the passageway creation into the existing manufacturing workflow, avoiding the need for additional drilling or machining steps that would increase complexity. The corks arrive at the assembly stage with ready-made channels for string insertion.
4Strength
If multiple corks are joined by threading string through passageways, then structural cohesion is enhanced, but the time required for assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passageways are pre-formed in the corks before assembly begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming drilling or passageway creation steps during the assembly process itself, allowing workers to simply thread the string through existing channels and form knots, significantly reducing overall assembly time while maintaining the structural benefits of internal joining.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of interconnecting multiple bottle cork closure elements to form a variety of useful integrated constructions. The method uses one or more string strands of flexible yielding material to be passed through custom configured passageways within each cork in continuous pass through patterns defined by similar and varied passageways in adjacent abutting corks. The interconnecting pattern path of the strands defines intermediate points of applied tension and selective securing in a defined assembly step process to form the respective article of construction.