Fastening Device Ratchet Mechanism Prevents Loosening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for securing articles using laces face challenges such as easy loosening due to external forces, complex structures leading to high manufacturing costs and assembly difficulties, and inadequate securing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a case unit, a spool, a driving unit, a knob, and a connecting unit, where the driving unit selectively prohibits the spool from rotating in a loosening direction, and the connecting unit integrates the components without passing through the base, enhancing structural reliability and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple spring-based fastening mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the lace is easily released due to vibrations or external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic ratchet mechanism where the pawl can engage with or disengage from the gear teeth based on operational needs. This allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing both simplicity when unlocked and reliability when locked, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl acts as an intermediary element between the spring force and the gear. It transmits the one-way force from the spring to the gear while preventing reverse motion, enabling reliable securing without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a complex buckle structure with rotating components is used, then the securing capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into distinct functional modules: a case unit containing the ratchet mechanism, a separate spool for the lace, and a driving unit. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes and assembled through basic operations, reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty while maintaining securing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ratchet mechanism and spring into an integrated driving unit that works together as a single functional assembly. This merging simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate adjusting mechanisms, reducing manufacturing steps and assembly operations while providing reliable one-way locking.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting unit passes through the base for assembly, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the structural reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit establishes connections in multiple spatial dimensions rather than relying solely on vertical passage through the base. Horizontal and radial connections are incorporated, creating a three-dimensional integration network that enhances structural reliability while maintaining assembly feasibility through multi-directional engagement features.
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 proposed fastening device effectively secures articles by preventing easy loosening, simplifying the structure for reduced manufacturing costs, and improving assembly and reliability, thereby extending the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Through the interference between components inside the buckle, the length of the lace as well as the tightness can be adjusted
Implementation Method 2
Through the reaction force between the spring and the driving unit, the lace can be clamped between the driving unit and the case
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device includes a case unit, a spool, a driving unit, a knob and a connecting unit. The case unit includes an annular wall surrounding an inner space, and a base detachably and directly coupled to the annular wall. The spool is located within the inner space. The driving unit is located within the inner space and selectively prohibits the spool from rotating in a loosening direction. The knob is disposed on the annular wall. The connecting unit is connected to at least one of the knob, the spool and the driving unit without passing through the base and restricted by at least one of the annular wall, the spool and the driving unit such that the annular wall, the spool, the driving unit and the knob are combined integrally.