Hook Assembly Interlocking Connection Feature Prevents Tangling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hook assemblies tend to tangle or knot during storage due to the lack of a reliable connection feature, requiring separate devices like rubber bands or adhesives for attachment, which can come undone or get lost.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a connection feature with protrusions and recesses on the attachment structures that interlock, allowing them to be securely attached without additional connecting devices, enabling attachment in either forward or reverse facing directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate connecting devices (rubber bands, adhesives, etc.) are used to attach attachment structures together, then the attachment structures can be connected, but the connecting devices tend to come undone or get lost, requiring new devices to be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidneed for separate connecting devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection feature is integrated directly into the attachment structures themselves, merging the function of connection into the existing components. The protrusion and recess are formed as part of the attachment structure body, eliminating the need for separate connecting devices like rubber bands or adhesives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment structures are designed to be self-connecting through their inherent geometric features. The protrusion on one attachment structure fits into the recess of another, allowing the structures to attach and detach themselves without requiring external connecting devices or additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If attachment structures are stored together in a bin or container without connection features, then storage is simple, but the attachment structures are prone to tangling and knotting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidtangling resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection feature with protrusion and recess provides a pre-designed mechanism that prevents tangling and knotting before they can occur. By providing a specific engagement geometry, the attachment structures are guided into proper orientation and prevented from becoming entangled during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Device complexity

If connection features with protrusions and recesses are integrated into attachment structures, then separate connecting devices are eliminated, but the attachment structures require precise geometric features for interlocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of connection featureVSAvoidprotrusion and recess geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection feature is divided into two complementary segments: a protrusion on one attachment structure and a corresponding recess on another. This segmentation allows each feature to be relatively simple in form while achieving precise interlocking when combined, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex connecting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9051960B2Hook assembly

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 SMARTSTRAPS

AI summary

A hook assembly includes at least one attachment structure having a hook portion extending from a body portion. The body portion includes a connection feature having at least one protrusion positioned adjacent at least one recess. The connection feature interlocks with a corresponding identical connection feature of a second attachment structure such that the attachment structure and second attachment structure are attached.