Flat Bungee Cord Anchoring via Molded Transverse Pin

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bungee cord terminus designs are bulky and ineffective for flat bungee cords, as they tend to slip due to distortion and lack of grip, especially when subjected to loads, due to their thin core and shape, making it difficult to achieve reliable longitudinal restraint.

Innovation Solution

A transverse pin or hook wire is passed through a loop in the folded end of the flat bungee cord, which is then molded into a base, providing a compact and sturdy anchor that prevents slippage and supports loads effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anchoring methods (knots, crimps, hog rings) are used to secure the bungee cord in the terminus, then the cord can be anchored, but the terminus becomes bulky and the flat cord distorts and slips under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring reliabilityVSAvoidterminus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the anchoring function from traditional bulky components (knots, crimps, hog rings) and implements it through a streamlined integrated design where the pin passes directly through the folded cord end and is molded into the base, eliminating unnecessary components and reducing terminus volume while maintaining anchoring reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the anchoring mechanism with the terminus base by molding the pin and cord assembly directly into the base structure, creating an integrated unit that reduces overall terminus size while ensuring reliable load transfer without the need for separate anchoring components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the bungee cord is made thinner to reduce bulk, then the terminus can be more compact, but the cord becomes difficult to anchor and may slip out under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecord thicknessVSAvoidanchoring security

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from securing the cord at a single point (which fails with thin cords) to distributing the anchoring across multiple points by passing the pin through the folded cord end, creating a multi-point anchor system that provides adequate support for thin, flat cords under load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If flat bungee cord is used instead of round cord, then the terminus can be more compact, but traditional anchoring methods distort the cord and reduce grip effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminus compactnessVSAvoidanchoring effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by folding the cord end before anchoring, creating a loop structure that the pin passes through. This pre-positioning of the cord in a folded state enables effective anchoring of flat cords without distortion, as the pin secures the folded configuration rather than attempting to grip or knot the flat cord surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7712195B1Flat, folded bungee cord anchored in molded base

Publication Date: 2010.05.11 HAMPTON PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A transverse pin (17) passes through an end loop (46) in a folded, multi-core (43) or single core (69), flat bungee cord (43, 69) to anchor the bungee cord within a molded base (49). The pin extends past the end loop of the bungee cord so as to restrain longitudinal movement thereof. The pin and end loop are molded into the base. The pin may comprise a transverse portion of a wire (19) forming a hook (25).