Elastic Connecting Strap Assembly to Prevent Jerking
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Solution Overview
Problem
When participants of unequal strength or ability engage in sporting or leisure activities together, such as bicycling or skiing, it is challenging for both to maintain the same speed, leading to safety concerns due to potential falls or loss of control, as existing connecting straps may fail under forces or cause jerking.
Innovation Solution
A connecting strap system featuring a sleeve of webbing with elastic material and attachment straps, designed to securely join two participants or objects, with a peg strap and release strap configuration to ensure stability and safety, capable of handling varying forces and preventing over-stretching or UV damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting strap is made strong enough to withstand forces, then safety is improved, but the strap may still cause jerking or failure under extreme forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating an elastic band within the webbing sleeve that can dynamically stretch and recoil. This elastic element absorbs sudden force spikes and smooths out jerking motions, allowing the strap to remain strong while eliminating harmful jerking effects during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connecting strap by integrating an elastic band with specific elongation properties (7:1 maximum elongation) within a webbing sleeve with different elongation characteristics (4:1 maximum elongation). This parameter differentiation allows the system to withstand forces while filtering out jerking motions through controlled elastic deformation.
2Ease of operation
If an elastic band is used to reduce jerking, then comfort is improved, but the band may over-stretch and fail under excessive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by placing the elastic band inside a protective webbing sleeve that is pre-configured to engage at a specific elongation point. The sleeve acts as a mechanical stop that prevents the elastic band from over-stretching beyond safe limits, cushioning against potential failure before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining an elastic band (thermoplastic elastomer or natural rubber) with a webbing sleeve (polypropylene or nylon). This composite structure leverages the elasticity of the band for comfort while the stronger webbing material provides the strength limit to prevent over-stretching failure.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the webbing sleeve is made protective against UV damage, then durability is improved, but the material selection becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses material selection constraints by changing the approach from selecting a single material with all properties to selecting two materials with complementary properties. The webbing sleeve is specifically chosen for UV resistance and strength, while the elastic band is chosen for elasticity, with each material optimized for its specific function rather than requiring one material to excel at everything.
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 system allows participants of different abilities to engage in joint activities safely by maintaining a stable connection, preventing falls and jerking, while withstanding significant forces and ensuring easy attachment and detachment, thus enhancing the safety and enjoyment of the activity.
Implementation Method 1
disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in a continuous loop
Data Source
AI summary
Connecting straps for use for example in sports activities and methods of attaching the connecting straps. In one example, a connection strap system includes a connecting strap and a peg strap configured to be attached to the connecting strap. An example of the connecting strap includes (a) a sleeve of webbing having a first end and a second end and having a loop at each end, each loop having a base and a free end, (b) disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material extending in a continuous loop, and (c) an attachment strap, adjacent each loop, configured to secure a portion of the band to the webbing at the base of each loop. In some cases, the band has a solid, polygonal cross-sectional shape. The peg strap has a peg-loop at each end.