Garment Size Adjustment Arrangement with Ratchet Spool Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing size adjustment mechanisms on garments, such as bras, are difficult to access and adjust while wearing, often resulting in limited options and potential bulk or weak retention issues.
Innovation Solution
A size adjustment arrangement featuring a rotatable dial, ratchet member, and spool mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of garment size by winding or unwinding a line through channels in the garment, providing strong retention and accessibility without the need for release mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hook-and-eye fasteners are positioned on the rear of the garment, then the garment structure is simple, but the adjustment is difficult to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
A cord or line is introduced as an intermediary element that connects the front actuator to the rear fastening mechanism. The cord transmits the adjustment force from the easily accessible front location to the traditional rear hook-and-eye fasteners, enabling remote operation without moving the fasteners themselves to difficult-to-reach locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual manipulation of rear fasteners is replaced by a mechanical transmission system consisting of a spool, ratchet, and cord. The user interacts with a simple rotary actuator at the front, which mechanically translates rotational motion into linear cord movement, thereby actuating the fastening mechanism at the rear without direct manual access.
2Ease of operation
If alternative fastening arrangements are used to improve accessibility, then adjustment becomes easier, but unwanted bulk and weak retention capability are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism provides automatic one-way locking without requiring active engagement or monitoring by the user. Once the cord is pulled to adjust the fastening, the ratchet automatically locks in place, maintaining retention without additional user action. This self-locking feature ensures reliable retention while keeping the actuator simple and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fastening arrangement to a dynamic adjustable system. The cord and spool mechanism allow the fastening tension to be dynamically adjusted by rotating the actuator, enabling the user to optimize the fit while maintaining strong retention through the ratchet's mechanical locking action.
3Reliability
If a ratchet and spool mechanism is used, then strong retention is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a spool for cord winding, a ratchet for one-way locking, and a separate rotary actuator for user interaction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool serves multiple functions: it winds the cord to transmit adjustment force, acts as a mechanical advantage multiplier through its rotational inertia, and provides a natural interface for the ratchet mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 quick and convenient size adjustments on garments, maintaining a sleek appearance and strong fit, while being easily accessible and user-friendly.
Implementation Method 1
the ratchet member and spool are blocked from rotation when neither the first force nor the second force is applied to the actuator
Implementation Method 2
The line is wound on the spool with the line extending through at least one channel in the garment
Data Source
AI summary
A size adjustment arrangement for a garment comprises a base member, a ratchet member, a line, a spool, and an actuator. The line is wound on the spool with the line extending through at least one channel in the garment. The actuator is selectively rotatable in a first direction and a second direction without activation of any release mechanism. When a first force is applied to rotate the actuator in the first direction, the line is wound upon the spool. When a second force is applied to rotate the actuator in the second direction, the line is unwound upon the spool. The ratchet member and the spool are blocked from rotation when neither the first force nor the second force is applied to the actuator.