Elastic Towel Strap With Locking Mechanism for Wind-Secure Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for attaching textiles, such as bath towels, to objects like deck chairs are not universally applicable, often require complex adjustments, and fail to securely fix the towel against wind, leading to soiling and loss.

Innovation Solution

An elastic strap with a locking mechanism that can be stretched and clamped around objects to provide a secure and adjustable attachment, featuring a textile band with elastic fibers and a closing mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and removal without obstructing the object's surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clips are used to attach textiles to objects, then the attachment is secure, but the device complexity increases and universal applicability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the attachment function from complex clip mechanisms and implements it through a simple elastic band with basic fastening elements. The elastic band itself provides the securing force through its elastic properties, eliminating the need for complex clamping mechanisms while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band is designed as a universal attachment device that can be applied to various objects and textile sizes. By using an elastic material that can stretch and adapt to different geometries, the same basic device structure achieves universal applicability without requiring object-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the strap is made adjustable in length, then it can fit different sizes, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strap incorporates dynamic length adjustment through elastic deformation and movable fastening points. The elastic band naturally adjusts its effective length by stretching to different degrees, and the fastening mechanism allows quick repositioning without complex adjustment procedures, maintaining ease of operation while achieving size adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The length parameter of the strap is made variable through the elastic properties of the band material. By changing the degree of elastic deformation, the effective length adapts to different application requirements. The fastening mechanism enables discrete length adjustments by moving the attachment point along the band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If Velcro fasteners are used to attach the towel, then the attachment is secure, but the textile deteriorates due to fiber loss from repeated attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtextile durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the attachment function from the textile itself and transfers it to the elastic band system. The fastening elements attach to the band rather than directly to the textile fibers, eliminating the mechanical stress that causes fiber loss and deterioration while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band acts as an intermediary between the fastening mechanism and the textile. The fasteners engage with the band's reinforcement elements rather than directly with the textile fibers, protecting the textile from wear and tear while still enabling secure attachment through the band's elastic clamping action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If heavy objects are used to weigh down the towel, then wind displacement is prevented, but the object's usable surface area decreases and soiling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidusable surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic band is pre-stretched to store elastic energy that provides continuous counteracting force against wind displacement. This preliminary elastic deformation creates a restoring force that automatically resists wind forces without requiring additional weights or occupying extra surface area, maintaining both wind resistance and full usable surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 elastic strap provides a secure, adjustable, and easy-to-use solution for attaching textiles to various objects, preventing wind displacement and allowing for comfortable use without restricting the object's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to an elastic strap (1) with a locking mechanism for fixing various textiles (2) on other objects... made up of at least partially elastic threads or fibers so that it is elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2449923B1Elastic belt
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 MAYR DIETMAR

AI summary

The belt has a locking mechanism e.g. Velcro(RTM: Hook and loop fastener) and snap lock, for connecting both end parts. Maximum elastic elongation of the belt lies between 10 to 200 percentage. No or minimal contraction in width is carried out during the elastic elongation. Elongation force lies in a range between 5 and 50 Newton. Length of the belt lies between 800 and 1500 mm, and is adjusted by the locking mechanism. A fixing device i.e. hook and loop tape, is attached perpendicular to the belt.