Flexible Tail Attachment Mechanism for Universal Container Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing item holding devices are limited in their ability to attach to a wide variety of structures and surfaces due to mechanisms like rigid hooks, clips, suction cups, and flexible shafts with ball and socket joints, which restrict their usability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a container with a flexible tail that can be wrapped around structures using frictional forces for secure attachment, allowing repositioning and precise adjustment, suitable for various surfaces including vertical and sloped ones, and adaptable for use with bags and backpacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid hooks or clips are used for attachment, then the holding device can be securely fixed, but it is limited to specific structures and proportions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible tail made of wire or rod that can bend and conform to various structures. This flexible component replaces rigid hooks and clips, allowing the holding device to adapt to different shapes, sizes, and orientations of surfaces while maintaining secure attachment through friction and conformability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tail allows the attachment mechanism to change its geometric parameters (shape, curvature, orientation) to match the target surface. By varying the configuration of the flexible tail, the device can securely attach to diverse structures without requiring multiple specialized attachment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If suction cups are used for attachment, then the container can stay in position, but it requires smooth, flat, clean surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tail can conform to various surface types including rough, curved, or irregular surfaces where suction cups would fail. Its flexibility allows it to wrap around and adapt to different geometries, providing attachment capability across diverse surface conditions without requiring smooth, flat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the suction-based mechanical system with a flexible wrapping system that uses friction and conformability for attachment. This substitution eliminates the requirement for smooth surfaces while maintaining position stability through the flexible tail's ability to conform and grip various surface types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hook and loop fasteners are used, then more attachment options are available, but they stick to unwanted surfaces and have difficulty on vertical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tail maintains contact with vertical surfaces through its wrapping and conforming action, using friction to prevent sliding. Unlike hook and loop fasteners that rely on adhesion which fails on vertical surfaces, the flexible tail's mechanical wrapping provides continuous contact and friction-based holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the attachment function from adhesive-based systems and implements it through a separate flexible tail component that provides mechanical attachment through wrapping and friction. This separation allows the container body to remain simple while the flexible tail handles the attachment task on various surface orientations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible shaft technology with ball and socket joints is used, then positioning flexibility is achieved, but sophisticated machining is required and range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple flexible wire or rod tail that naturally bends and conforms without requiring ball and socket joints or sophisticated machining. The flexibility is inherent in the material and geometry of the tail itself, providing unlimited range of motion while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tail acts as a simple geometric form that can be easily manufactured and copied without complex machining operations. Unlike ball and socket joints that require precise spherical surfaces and bearings, the flexible tail can be produced through simple bending or forming processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving positioning flexibility.
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
Enables easy and secure positioning of items on a wide range of surfaces and structures, providing convenient access while maintaining stability and aesthetics, overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
To engage the structure, handle or strap, the flexible tail is wrapped around said structure in a manner that utilizes frictional forces to maintain the position of the device within easy reach of the user
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is direct to an item holding device having a container body and a flexible tail and method of use. The flexible tail, which is repositionable when sufficient force is applied, yet allows the invention to be reasonably fixed once configured, allows a user to attach the item holding device in locations unsuitable for traditional fastening mechanisms. The flexible tail facilitates the positioning of the item holding device within convenient reach of the user by enabling the user to wrap the flexible tail around a static structure or configure it to form a support stand for placement upon a surface. The flexible nature of the tail allows the tail to snugly conform to the shape of the attachment point, keeping the item holding device securely in place.