Elastic Protrusion Attachment for Customizable Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for customizing articles like bracelets and key chains are either limited in options or complicated to use, lacking a simple and versatile method for attaching decorative elements.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring attachments with flanges and elastic projections or pincers that securely attach to an article, allowing for easy customization by aligning and compressing the attachments through openings, providing a range of options and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a prior art system uses limited attachment options for customizing articles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability or versatility of customization is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system employs universal attachment means that can accommodate multiple types of attachments (letters, numbers, symbols, decorative elements) through a single standardized interface. The attachment means comprises a shaft portion and a protruding portion that can engage with various attachment types, allowing one article to be customized with diverse elements without requiring different attachment mechanisms for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: the article with its attachment means, various detachable attachments (letters, numbers, symbols), and optional second attachments. This segmentation allows users to mix and match different elements independently, creating unlimited customization combinations from a limited set of standardized parts.
2Reliability
If a prior art system uses complicated attachment mechanisms, then the secure attachment of decorations is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means utilizes elastic protruding portions that automatically secure attachments through elastic deformation. When an attachment is placed on the article, the protruding portions elastically deform to engage with the attachment and then return to their original shape, creating a secure self-locking connection without requiring additional fastening actions from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical fastening mechanisms (screws, clips, adhesives) with a simplified elastic deformation mechanism. The protruding portions made of elastomeric material use elastic theory to achieve secure attachment through controlled deformation and recovery, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical assembly or disassembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If attachment means are made elastic to enable easy attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure attachment may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic protruding portions are designed with specific dimensional parameters and material properties that optimize both ease of attachment and security. The shaft portion diameter, protruding portion dimensions, and elastomeric material selection are carefully controlled to ensure the protruding portions can elastically deform for easy insertion while generating sufficient engagement force for secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means combines rigid and elastomeric materials in a composite structure. The shaft portion provides structural support and positioning, while the elastomeric protruding portions provide elastic deformation capability for easy attachment and secure engagement. This composite approach maintains reliability while enabling ease of operation.
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
Enables users to customize articles with various decorative elements in a simple and efficient manner, offering multiple attachment options while ensuring secure attachment and easy removal.
Implementation Method 1
each of the protruding portions is made of an elastomeric material such that each of the protruding portions deforms from the non-deformed shape to the deformed shape when compressed with a compressive force and returns to the non-deformed shape when the compressive force is removed
Data Source
AI summary
A system for customizing an article. The system includes a base and at least one attachment having a decorative element and flanges flanking the decorative element and forming an opening on each side of the decorative element. The base has a plurality of projecting elements projecting from a surface of the base and having a protrusion at an end thereof or a plurality of pincers defining an inlet and a cavity. Each of the protrusions or pincers can be deformed to fit through the openings on each side of one of the decorative elements after which the protrusions or pincers will return to a non-deformed shape and secure the attachment with decorative element in the article. Also a method for customizing an article with the attachments.