Friction Locking Cord Adjustment for Swimwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bikini tops often fail to provide adequate support and security during high-impact sporting activities, leading to discomfort, strap slippage, and potential embarrassment due to the straps cutting in or loosening during water-based sports.
Innovation Solution
A swim top with a friction locking cord adjustment system featuring silicone-coated adjustment buckles with friction-enhancing patterns that securely affix to the neck cords, preventing slippage and enhancing the fit by increasing friction between the buckles and cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bikini top is made extremely close fitting to provide additional support during athletic activities, then the support and security are improved, but the straps cut into the wearer and may slip or break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction parameter of the cord adjustment system by incorporating a friction enhancing pattern. This increases the friction between the adjustment buckle and the cord, preventing slippage while maintaining a secure fit that doesn't cut into the wearer. The friction pattern allows the strap to stay in place without excessive tightness.
2Ease of operation
If conventional bikini top straps are used during water-based sports, then the garment is simple and comfortable, but the straps gradually loosen and slip out of place
Solution Approach 1:
The friction enhancing pattern on the adjustment buckle creates a self-locking mechanism that automatically maintains strap position without requiring active adjustment. The high friction surface prevents the cord from sliding through the buckle during water-based activities, keeping the strap in place while remaining comfortable to wear.
3Reliability
If the bikini top straps are tightened to prevent slippage, then the security is improved, but the complexity of adjustment and potential for breaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the friction parameter of the adjustment mechanism by adding a friction enhancing pattern to the adjustment buckle. This increases the friction coefficient, allowing the strap to be secured more reliably without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or excessive tightening forces that could break the strap.
4Ease of operation
If the bikini top requires frequent adjustment during athletic activities, then the fit can be optimized, but the time lost and disruption to athletic performance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction enhancing pattern creates a self-adjusting system that maintains optimal fit without requiring active intervention. The high friction surface prevents the cord from sliding during movement, keeping the bikini top securely fitted throughout athletic activities without needing frequent readjustment.
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 friction locking cord adjustment system provides a secure and comfortable fit, preventing strap slippage and maintaining the bikini top's position during athletic activities, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and minimizing the risk of straps cutting in or breaking.
Implementation Method 1
The friction enhancing pattern may engage the cord passing through that hole when the bikini top is worn to enhance the secure fit of the bikini top
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Swim tops having a friction locking cord adjustment system are described. The swim top may have a pair of friction locking adjustment terminal ends. Each friction locking adjustment terminal end may be secured to an end of one of a pair of neck cords of the swim top. The friction locking adjustment terminal ends may be slidably affixed to the opposing neck cord of the swim top to permit the fit of the top to be adjusted. The friction locking adjustment terminal ends may be comprised of adjustment buckles or slidable knots. Adjustment buckles may include two or more silicone coated pads having holes for threading the cords of the swim top. A friction enhancing pattern may be proximate to the holes of the adjustment buckles. The friction enhancing pattern may engage the cord passing through that hole when the swim top is worn to enhance the secure fit of the swim top.