Elastic Cord Anchor With Non-Linear Path for Secure Low-Damage Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing elastic cords to cargo packs on bicycles, such as bungee cords, often result in damage and bulkiness due to stitching or knotting, and are prone to breakage under repeated use.
Innovation Solution
An anchor design featuring first and second spaced walls defining an anchoring passage with a non-linear path and retaining teeth that securely lock the cord in place, allowing for easy installation and minimizing cord damage, with a chamber for accommodating the cord tip and a bridge section guiding the cord through two directional changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stitching is used to secure the cord to the cargo pack, then the cord is firmly attached, but the cord and material are damaged and the appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the anchor with non-linear path) between the cord and the cargo pack material. This anchor distributes the attachment forces through its structured geometry rather than concentrating stress at stitching points, thereby securing the cord firmly while avoiding damage to both the cord and the cargo pack material.
2Reliability
If a hole and knotted cord are used, then the cord is secured, but the solution is bulky and causes the flap to sit proud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a non-linear path with curved geometry instead of a straight hole passage. This curved path allows the cord to be secured reliably through the anchor structure while maintaining a compact profile that does not cause the flap to sit proud, effectively reducing the bulkiness associated with traditional knotted solutions.
3Strength
If extensive barbs are used to secure the cord, then the cord is firmly locked, but the complexity of the anchor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cord retention function into two distinct components: the non-linear path geometry that provides directional changes and frictional retention, and the retaining teeth that provide positive mechanical locking. This segmentation achieves firm cord locking while maintaining relatively simple anchor structure compared to extensive barb systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for securing an elastic cord, comprises: first and second spaced walls, which define between them an anchoring passage; an anchoring cavity provided at one end of the anchoring passage; at least one retaining tooth projecting into the anchoring cavity for locking engagement with a section of the cord situated within the anchoring cavity; and a non-linear path provided by the anchoring passage and extending from the anchoring cavity to the exterior of the anchor, the non-linear path undergoing at least two changes of direction between the anchoring cavity and the exterior of the anchor. The non-linear path is defined by: a pillar extending from the first wall into a recess in the second wall; and a bridge section of the second wall, the bridge section being connected at each end to the first wall to provide a bridge passage. The anchoring passage extends from the anchoring cavity around the pillar to provide a first one of the changes of direction and through the bridge passage to provide a second one of the changes of direction.