Elastomeric Self-Locking Tie for Grip Without Object Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-locking ties have sharp corners that can damage objects they secure, lack friction to hold them securely, and pose risks when used as temporary restraints, leading to injuries and liability issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking tie with elastomeric features, including a strap with cavities and protruding elastomeric segments, and a multi-stage molding process to create anchors and ejectors that secure the strap within the mold, enhancing grip and reducing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional self-locking ties use smooth sides and sharp corners for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but the sharp corners damage objects they secure and cause injury when used as restraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding elastomeric features only at specific contact points where the tie interacts with secured objects, rather than making the entire tie soft. The elastomeric ridges and grooves are positioned at the tapered end and along the strap to provide protection, while the main body retains its structural integrity and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a rigid strap material (such as nylon or polyethylene) with elastomeric material (such as thermoplastic elastomer). The elastomeric features are molded onto the rigid strap, creating a composite structure that provides both the structural simplicity needed for easy manufacture and the soft contact surfaces that prevent damage to secured objects.
2Strength
If conventional self-locking ties use hard and inflexible material for strength, then the tie maintains structural integrity, but it offers little friction and cannot securely grip objects
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric features are positioned at specific locations where grip is needed, such as the tapered end and along the strap length. These localized elastomeric regions provide friction and gripping capability without compromising the overall structural integrity of the rigid strap body.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines the strength of rigid materials with the friction-gripping properties of elastomeric materials. The rigid strap provides structural integrity and strength, while the elastomeric features provide the necessary friction and compliance to securely grip objects, preventing slippage and movement.
3Device complexity
If conventional self-locking ties lack friction features, then the structure remains simple, but the tie cannot hold objects securely in place
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire tie complex, elastomeric features are added only at specific locations where friction and gripping are needed. The elastomeric ridges and grooves are molded onto the strap at the tapered end and along its length, providing secure holding capability while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction allows the tie to maintain the simplicity of a single-piece molded structure while incorporating elastomeric features that provide friction. The elastomeric material is molded directly onto the rigid strap in a multi-stage process, creating a integrated structure that combines simplicity with enhanced gripping capability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multi-stage molding is used to add elastomeric features, then grip and protection are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage molding process merges the manufacturing of the rigid strap and elastomeric features into a single integrated production sequence. The first stage molds the rigid strap with cavities, and the second stage molds the elastomeric features directly onto the strap in the same molding machine, combining what could be separate manufacturing steps into one continuous process.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding machine is used for multiple functions: first to mold the rigid strap structure, then to mold the elastomeric protective features. This multi-functionality allows a single piece of equipment to perform both manufacturing steps, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment and minimizing overall process complexity despite the multi-stage nature of the 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 elastomeric features provide secure gripping without damaging objects, reduce the risk of injury, and improve the tie's durability by minimizing stress points and wear, while the molding process ensures precise alignment and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the hard and inflexible nature of conventional self-locking ties offers little or no friction between the self-locking ties and the objects they encompass
Implementation Method 2
The self-locking tie may include a strap, a locking head and one end of the strap, at least one cavity in the strap, and one or more elastomeric features
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method that relate to a self-locking tie with one or more elastomeric features are disclosed. A strap of the self-locking tie includes one or more features that physically anchor the strap to a base of a mold during a multi-stage molding process. These features may include one or more recesses. Side walls of the one or more recesses may be sloped, as defined by anchors with undercut regions that physically engage material of the strap to prevent movement of the strap within a mold cavity of the base as the strap cools and as the strap is exposed between its formation and formation of one or more elastomeric features thereon.