Flexible Loop Hand Strap for Self-Latching Pole Grip Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-retaining devices for pole grips, such as those used for walking sticks and ski poles, face issues with material fatigue and temperature-dependent elastic deformation, leading to inconsistent fixing action, which is undesirable in varying weather conditions and during use.
Innovation Solution
A hand-retaining device featuring a movable, flexible loop made of materials like braided cables or fibers, which provides inherent rigidity and self-latching capability, allowing for secure attachment to pole grips without material deformation, and is adjustable for user fit and concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid bow-like device is used to couple the hand-retaining device to the pole grip, then the coupling element can be pushed over the hook-like device without aid, but the repeated deformation causes material fatigue and the fixing action becomes temperature-dependent and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid bow-like device with a flexible cord that can dynamically adapt its shape. The flexible cord can be easily pushed over the hook-like device during attachment, then naturally assumes a stable configuration during use, providing consistent fixing action without the material fatigue problems of rigid materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from rigid (metal or plastic) to flexible (cord material). This parameter change allows the coupling element to be easily deformed during attachment while maintaining reliability during use, eliminating the temperature-dependent elastic deformation issues that plague rigid materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If elastic deformation of the hook-like device is used to fix the bow easily, then attachment is simplified, but the deformation behavior becomes highly dependent on temperature and neither adjustable nor constant
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cord acts as an intermediary between the user's hand and the pole grip. Instead of relying on temperature-sensitive elastic deformation of the hook-like device, the flexible cord provides a temperature-independent coupling mechanism that simplifies attachment while maintaining consistency across varying temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cord is a simple, replaceable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach prioritizes simplicity and reliability over durability, allowing the use of inexpensive flexible materials that maintain consistent behavior across temperature ranges.
3Ease of operation
If a stiff element is provided as the coupling element, then the element can be pushed over the hook-like device without aid, but the element is troublesome both during use and when not fastened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cord provides the right balance of stiffness and flexibility. It has sufficient stiffness to be pushed over the hook-like device without aid during attachment, but becomes sufficiently flexible and manageable during use and when not fastened, eliminating the troubles associated with rigid elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hand-retaining device (25), such as a hand strap that can be fastened to the hand or a glove, comprising a movable loop (33) between the thumb and the index which is used for fixing the hand-retaining device to a hook-type mechanism (14) of a pole grip. Such a hand-retaining device (25) is most preferably suitable for use with a pole grip (1), particularly for walking canes, trekking poles, downhill ski poles, cross-country ski poles, Nordic walking poles, which is equipped with a grip member (3) and a hook-type mechanism (14) for attaching a hand-retaining device especially in the form of a hand strap or a glove. Locking means (6, 11) are disposed in the area of the hook-type mechanism (14) such that a loop-shaped, annular, or eye-shaped device (33) that is provided on the hand-retaining device and is inserted into the hook-type mechanism (14) from above is fixed in a self-locking manner in the hook-type mechanism (14).