Coupling Article with Cutouts for Secure Band Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for bundling objects, such as cords and cables, are complex, difficult to use, and lack versatility in accommodating items of varying sizes and weights, with protruding dowels causing snags and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A coupling article with end sections featuring cutouts and passages that securely engage closed-loop or open-loop tensile lines, allowing easy wrapping and knotting for secure bundling, with the ability to accommodate multiple lines for increased tension and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional combination binders with protruding dowels are used, then band retention is improved, but the risk of snagging and dislodging nearby items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protruding dowel element from the fastening device, replacing it with a flush-mounted button that sits level with the band surface. This extraction of the harmful protruding element eliminates the snagging problem while maintaining the retention function through the button's integration with the band structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a protruding element to secure the band, the patent inverts the approach by creating a recessed or flush-mounted button structure. The retention mechanism works by the button being integrated into the band plane, preventing protrusion while maintaining securing capability through the button's connection to the band's internal structure.
2Reliability
If combination binders with slots in the dowel are used, then band retention is improved, but the device complexity and limited adaptability to varying band sizes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fastening device where the button structure can accommodate various band sizes and types without requiring different designs. The button is configured to work with bands of different dimensions, eliminating the need for slot configurations tailored to specific band sizes and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is segmented into modular components: the button element and the band structure. This segmentation allows the button to be designed as a standalone component that can interface with various band configurations, simplifying the overall design while maintaining retention capability across different band sizes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the H-shaped fastener design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple steps required to secure the band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the button and band into a more integrated structure where the button is directly formed as part of the band assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment steps and allows the band to be secured in a single continuous motion, improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integrated construction.
4Reliability
If raised cylindrical posts are added to prevent band slippage, then band security is improved, but the device complexity and susceptibility to misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate raised cylindrical post component and integrates the anti-slippage function directly into the button structure. The button itself is designed with features that prevent band slippage without requiring additional protruding elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding protruding posts to prevent slippage, the patent inverts the approach by designing the button as a flush or recessed element that inherently prevents slippage through its integration with the band structure. The security against slippage is achieved through the button's configuration rather than additional protruding components.
Data Source
AI summary
An article for coupling bands, cords, straps and the like to bundle items. The coupling article comprises a body having at least two end sections each having a cutout and passage means formed therethrough to removably retain a portion of a tensile line. A user may use an end section of the coupling article to engage a first portion of a closed-loop tensile line, encircle one or more objects, and engage a remaining portion of the closed-loop tensile line with an opposing end section, thus holding the objects together. A user may also secure objects using the coupling article in combination with an open-loop tensile line by wrapping the tensile line around a first end section, within the cutout and securing with a knot. With the remaining open-loop tensile line, the user would encircle one or more objects, and then wrap the open-loop tensile line around a second end section, within the cutout and secure with a knot. The coupling article may be constructed of plastic, metal, or other rigid material to meet the needs of the application. The dimensions of the coupling article may be of varying size depending on the desired compressive force needed on the objects, and the size and strength of the tensile line.