Fabric Locking Structure for Protecting Control Switch Wires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control switch wires in heating or lighting decoration on clothing are prone to damage due to being hung outside or attached with glue, leading to poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

A locking structure comprising a base, upper cover, and an elastic fixing ring is used to securely attach the control switch to fabric, utilizing a fixing member with a pawl to grasp the fabric and a snap-fit mechanism to engage the elastic fixing ring, ensuring the control switch is firmly fixed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the control switch is hung outside or attached to clothing/blankets by glue, then the installation is simple, but the control switch wire is easily torn and user experience is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidwire damage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking structure is divided into multiple functional components: a base for positioning, an upper cover for protection, a fixing member with pawl for anchoring, and a snap-fit mechanism for assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both easy installation and reliable wire protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pawl is pre-configured on the fixing member to engage with the fabric before the control switch is fully installed. The snap-fit mechanism is designed to automatically lock the upper cover to the base during assembly, performing the securing action in advance before the wire is subjected to stress

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 3:

The locking structure acts as an intermediary between the control switch wire and the fabric. Instead of directly attaching the wire to the fabric (which causes damage), the locking structure provides an intermediate mounting platform with the base, fixing member, and upper cover that distributes stress and protects the wire

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking structure with multiple components (base, upper cover, elastic fixing ring) is used to secure the control switch, then the wire damage resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire damage resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a compact locking structure: the base provides positioning and support, the fixing member with pawl provides anchoring to fabric, and the upper cover provides protection. These components are designed to assemble together形成一个 integrated unit that secures the control switch while minimizing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit mechanism between the elastic fixing ring and the base enables self-assembly and self-locking during installation. The elastic fixing ring automatically engages with the base through the snap-fit connection, eliminating the need for additional fasteners, tools, or complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 locking structure effectively prevents the control switch wire from being easily torn, enhancing user experience and durability.

Implementation Method 1

An inner wall of the elastic fixing ring may be provided with a snap-fit. An outer wall of the fixing member may be provided with a slot configured to engage the snap-fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the fixing member may be provided with a pawl configured to grasp the fabric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4393343B1Locking structure used to combine with fabric
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SUZHOU JERNANO CARBON CO LTD
  • EP4393343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4393343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4393343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application provides a locking structure used to combine with fabric, relating to the technical field of articles for daily use. The locking structure used to combine with fabric comprises a base, an upper cover and an elastic fixing ring. The base is provided with an accommodating groove used to receive a control switch, a top surface of the base being located at the accommodating groove and fixedly provided with a fixing member, and the fixing member being provided with claws used to grasp the fabric. An inner wall of the upper cover is provided with a ring groove used to accommodate the elastic fixing ring, an inner wall of the elastic fixing ring is provided with a buckle, and an outer wall of the fixing member is provided with a slot used to engage with the buckle. When the buckle is engaged with the slot, the bottom of the upper cover can abut against the claw. This achieves the technical effect of a control switch wire not being easily damaged.