Elastomeric Fastening Device With Deformable Interference Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening devices, such as shoelaces, often fail during intense activities due to breakage or unreliability, posing safety risks and the need for a more durable and adaptable solution.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with an elongated body and deformable tip portions that stretch to pass through eyelets, providing secure engagement by resisting inward deformation and allowing easy removal by pulling outward, made from elastomeric materials like synthetic rubbers or polyurethanes, with optional reinforcement for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening devices like thread or string are used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability and durability deteriorate during intense activities
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into multiple functional segments: a resilient body portion, deformable interference portions at each end, and engagement features. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability under stress
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device utilizes composite construction combining resilient materials (such as rubber or elastomers) with reinforcing elements. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for deformation during installation and the strength required for reliable fastening under intense activities
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional fastening devices are used, then the installation process is simple, but the durability and toughness deteriorate under rough sports play or hard work
Solution Approach 1:
The interference portions are designed to change their physical parameters during installation - specifically, they deform under pulling force to pass through the opening, then revert to their original shape to create a secure fastening. This parameter change enables both easy installation and durable long-term fastening
3Reliability
If a secure fastening system is implemented, then reliability improves, but the ease of operation for installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism operates on an inverted principle: instead of requiring complex locking mechanisms to secure the fastening, the device uses deformable portions that naturally want to return to their original shape. Installation is achieved by pulling the deformable portions through the opening, and removal is equally simple by pulling outward to reverse the deformation process
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 solution offers improved reliability and adaptability, ensuring secure fastening without breakage, even under stress, and allows for easy installation and removal, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
deformable tip portions that stretch to pass through eyelets, providing secure engagement by resisting inward deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastening device for connecting identified openings, including: an elongated main body member defining a longitudinal axis, the main body member having a first end portion and a second end portion at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis; first and second tip end members located at the first end portion and second end portion of the body, respectively, the first and second tip end members each adapted to fit through one of the identified openings; and a first deformable interference portion located between the main body member and the first tip end member, and a second deformable interference portion located between the main body and the second tip end member; where the first and second deformable interference portions are each normally located in a rest state where they define an outer dimension that prevents their passage through one of the identified openings. Other embodiments, features and methods are also described.