Elastic Strap Band Clip Attachment for Stationery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stationery objects, such as notebooks and writing pads, lack a cost-effective and customizable solution for attaching elastic strap bands that can be easily removed or exchanged, limiting design flexibility and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A stationery object design featuring a clip or clasp system on one cover and a slot on the other, allowing the elastic strap band to be attached by clipping or pulling through, enabling independent production and easy attachment/removal, with various clip shapes preventing back-pulling and enhancing secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the elastic strap band is permanently integrated into the stationery object, then the closure function is reliable, but the customization and replacement flexibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure functionVSAvoidcustomization and replacement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic strap band system is divided into separate components: the strap band itself and the attachment mechanism (clip/clasp) on the cover. This segmentation allows the strap band to be independently produced, customized, and replaced while maintaining a reliable closure function through the permanent attachment mechanism on the cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the elastic strap band is attached using complex bonding or sewing, then the attachment is secure, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A clip or clasp acts as an intermediary component between the elastic strap band and the cover. This intermediary element provides secure attachment through simple mechanical means (clipping or pulling through a slot) rather than complex bonding or sewing processes, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the clip prevents back-pulling through asymmetric design, then the attachment is secure, but the clip structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidclip structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clip is designed with asymmetric geometry that allows easy insertion through the slot in one direction but prevents removal in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design achieves secure attachment (preventing back-pulling) while maintaining relatively simple clip structure, as the security function is achieved through geometric configuration rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This solution allows for low-cost, customizable elastic strap bands that can be easily attached or exchanged, enhancing the convenience and durability of stationery objects while maintaining secure closure.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic strap band is stretched at a predetermined stretching factor, when it is wrapped around the first cover for keeping the covers closed. The elastic strap band is configured to be further stretched for releasing the first cover.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The expansion force acting on the clip or clasp holds the stationery object closed and the clip or clasp in place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic expansion force: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP2343197B1A book with an elastic strap band
Publication Date: 2012.12.19 LANYBOOK
  • EP2343197B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2343197B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2343197B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a stationery object, in particular a notebook, a writing pad, a diary, a calendar or the like, comprising a first cover (13), a second cover (14) at least one page (15), and an elastic strap band (12), which is attachable to the second cover of the stationery object, wherein the elastic strap band is configured to be wrapped around the first cover of the stationery object for keeping the covers closed. The elastic strap band is attached to the second cover with a clip, which has at least one elongated opening. One end of the elastic strap band is pulled through the elongated opening of the clip and attached back onto the elastic strap band, thereby forming a loop around the clip.