Deformable Fastening Device with Elastic Tip Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening devices, such as shoelaces, often break or become unreliable during intense activities, leading to safety concerns and the need for a more durable and adaptable fastening system.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with deformable interference portions that can change state from a rest position preventing passage through openings to a stretched state allowing passage, and elastically pivotable tip end portions to securely engage with identified openings, providing adaptability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening devices (thread or string) are used, then they are simple and easy to manufacture, but they break or become unreliable during intense activities
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device changes its physical state between a compressed state for insertion and an expanded state for engagement. The deformable portion is compressed to fit through the opening, then expands to engage with the opening, transforming from a passive string to an active locking mechanism that resists pull-out forces
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device incorporates dynamic behavior through the deformable portion that can change shape. The tip end portion flexes and pivots during insertion, then the deformable portion expands and deforms to lock into the opening, creating a dynamic system that adapts its properties during operation rather than remaining static
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fastening devices are used, then they have simple structure, but they lack adaptability to various engagement scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into distinct functional segments: a tip end portion for insertion, a deformable portion for engagement, and a main body for tension transmission. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the fastening device have different local properties tailored to their functions. The tip end portion is flexible for insertion, the deformable portion has shape-changing capabilities for engagement, and the main body provides structural strength. This local differentiation enables adaptability without requiring the entire device to be complex
3Reliability
If fastening device has deformable interference portions, then secure engagement is achieved, but insertion through openings becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable portion is preliminarily compressed or deformed to a smaller size before insertion, allowing it to pass through the opening. Once inserted, the deformable portion returns to its original larger size or changes shape to engage with the opening, ensuring secure retention without requiring forceful insertion of the final engagement shape
4Adaptability or versatility
If fastening device uses elastic pivotable tip end portions, then adaptability to different openings is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tip end portion combines multiple functions into a single integrated element: it provides the leading edge for insertion, incorporates flexibility for navigation through openings, and includes the deformable portion that creates the engagement mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining adaptability
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 enhances the reliability and durability of fastening systems, ensuring secure engagement and resistance to unintended separation or breakage, particularly during rough use, while allowing for adaptive use across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second deformable interference portions are each normally located in a rest state wherein the first and second deformable interference portions define an outer dimension that prevents their passage through one of the identified openings, and the first and second deformable interference portions are each deformable to a stretched state that permits their passage through one of the identified openings
Implementation Method 2
In this embodiment, in a relaxed state, the first and second tip end portions extend substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second tip end portions are each elastically pivotable with respect to the main body member about the longitudinal axis to permit passage of the respective tip end portion through one of the identified openings
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device for connecting identified openings, including: an elongated main body member defining a longitudinal axis, the main body member having a first end portion and a second end portion at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis; first and second tip end members located at the first end portion and second end portion of the body, respectively, the first and second tip end members each adapted to fit through one of the identified openings; and a first deformable interference portion located between the main body member and the first tip end member, and a second deformable interference portion located between the main body and the second tip end member; where the first and second deformable interference portions are each normally located in a rest state where they define an outer dimension that prevents their passage through one of the identified openings. Other embodiments, features and methods are also described.