Dial-Driven Spool Tightening With Clicker-Locked Fit Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tightening mechanisms for items like helmets, shoes, and gloves lack a simple and consistent adjustable fit system that maintains tension after tightening or loosening, often requiring complex multicomponent systems.

Innovation Solution

A dial drive system with a dial, spool, and clicker assembly that allows for adjustable tightening and loosening by rotating the dial to engage or disengage clicker arms, enabling the spool to wind or unwind a filament for consistent tension control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed tightening mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability is limited and cannot be adjusted according to varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of fitVSAvoidcomplexity of tightening mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic ratchet mechanism that allows the tightening device to transition between locked and adjustable states. The ratchet teeth and pawl assembly enable unidirectional movement for tightening while maintaining the ability to adjust, transforming a static fixed mechanism into a dynamic adjustable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tightening mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the dial component for rotation, the ratchet teeth for one-way engagement, the pawl for locking, and the filament for tensioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing adjustable tightening capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable tightening mechanism is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases with multicomponent mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of fitVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated dial assembly. The dial incorporates the rotation interface, ratchet engagement, and tension maintenance mechanisms into one unified component structure, reducing the overall number of separate parts while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ratchet mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables unidirectional tightening, maintains tension automatically, and allows for easy reversal to loosening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable tightening mechanism is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex tightening/loosening procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of fitVSAvoidease of tightening and loosening

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism allows easy reversal of the tightening action. By rotating the dial in the opposite direction, the ratchet pawl disengages and the filament can be easily loosened, providing bidirectional control that simplifies operation compared to traditional one-way tightening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The ratchet mechanism automatically maintains tension without requiring continuous user intervention. Once tightened, the pawl engages with the ratchet teeth to self-lock and maintain the set tension, eliminating the need for complex locking procedures or constant adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a complex multicomponent mechanism is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to difficulty in maintaining tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of fitVSAvoidtension maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ratchet teeth are designed with inherent clearance and engagement geometry that anticipates and compensates for variations in tension load. This pre-engineered tolerance ensures reliable engagement and tension maintenance under varying operational conditions without requiring additional cushioning components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12516718B2Dial drive fit system

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 TOOL INC

AI summary

A dial drive fit system includes a dial handle and dial base containing a plurality of clicker arms capable of rotating a dial base axle in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. The dial drive fit system utilizes a dial with flexible arms that permit winding/unwinding of a spool when a user rotates the dial handle but prevents rotation when the dial handle is not actively rotated. The dial base axle is functionally coupled with the spool configured to receive and store a filament coiled around the spool. The dial drive fit system may be used with helmets, shoes, knee braces, and any item meant to be secured or requiring adjustable tightening.