Clothing Cuff with Adjustable Flexible Members and Thumb Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clothing cuffs lack effective mechanisms for adjustable fit and secure attachment, particularly around the wrist area, which can lead to discomfort and inadequate retention.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tubular sleeve with releasable fasteners and flexible members that can be adjusted to modify the cuff size and converted into a thumb loop for enhanced fit and security, utilizing a combination of hook-and-loop fasteners and elastic joints for attachment and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cuff structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the fit cannot be adjusted to various wrist sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff incorporates flexible members that can dynamically change position and configuration. The flexible members can be adjusted to different positions along the cuff wall and secured at multiple locations, allowing the cuff to adapt to various wrist sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff is divided into functional segments: the cuff wall, flexible members, and releasable fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the flexible members provide adjustment, the fasteners provide securement, and the cuff wall provides structure - resolving the contradiction between adjustability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to the cuff, then the fit can be customized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible members serve multiple functions: they can be adjusted to different positions for size customization, they can be secured at multiple locations for different fit preferences, and they can be configured to form a thumb loop for enhanced retention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If a thumb loop feature is added, then the retention is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible members are designed to be manipulated by the user themselves to form the thumb loop configuration. The releasable fasteners allow the user to easily secure the flexible members in the desired position. This self-service design enables users to adjust and configure the thumb loop without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while improving retention.
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 solution provides a customizable and secure cuff system that adjusts to fit various wrist sizes and offers a thumb loop for improved retention, enhancing both comfort and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a second strap comprising a second substantially flat and elongated fabric strip coupled to an elastic joint, which rotatably attaches the second fabric strip to the cuff wall
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a combination of hook-and-loop fasteners and elastic joints for attachment and rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A cuff (14) for an article of clothing includes various components, such as one or more flexible members (26, 28) for adjusting a fit of the cuff (14). One flexible member (26) is used to tighten and loosen a fit of the cuff (14). Another flexible member (28) serves a dual purpose to adjust a fit of the cuff (14) and to provide a thumb loop.