Integrated Cord Lock Structure for Stable Low-Friction Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cord locks that are only attached to the cord can be lost or misplaced and may cause undesirable movement when detached, leading to inconvenience and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A cord lock design that includes a first and second cord-clamp bar with protruding members and a biasing element, allowing for slidable adjustment of the cord length while being integrated into an article, with components that can be concealed within a textile layer to reduce friction and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cord lock is only attached to the cord, then the cord length can be adjusted, but the cord lock can be lost or misplaced when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cord lock mechanism with the article structure by integrating it into a tubular sleeve formed by the article layer. The cord lock is positioned within the tubular sleeve and is integrated into the article, preventing loss while maintaining cord adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord lock is nested within the tubular sleeve structure of the article layer. The tubular sleeve contains the cord lock mechanism, and the cord passes through both the cord lock and the tubular sleeve, creating a nested arrangement that secures the cord lock to the article.
2Ease of operation
If the cord lock is only attached to the cord, then the cord can be adjusted, but the cord lock may be flung about by the cord
Solution Approach 1:
The cord lock mechanism is merged with the article structure through integration into the tubular sleeve. This combination stabilizes the cord lock position relative to the article, preventing it from being flung about while the cord moves freely for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular sleeve acts as an intermediary structure between the cord lock and the article. It provides a stable mounting environment for the cord lock while allowing the cord to pass through and be adjusted, mediating between the need for stability and adjustability.
3Ease of operation
If the cord lock components are exposed, then the mechanism is accessible, but frictional resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cord lock mechanism is nested within the tubular sleeve, which is formed by the article layer. This nesting arrangement allows the mechanism to be accessible for operation while the tubular sleeve structure reduces frictional resistance during cord movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular sleeve formed by the article layer acts as a flexible shell that contains the cord lock mechanism. This shell structure provides a low-friction environment for cord movement while maintaining accessibility of the adjustment mechanism.
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 design provides secure and adjustable cord management, reducing the risk of loss and minimizing frictional resistance, allowing for seamless cord length adjustment and improved article functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element coupled between the first cord-clamp bar and the second cord-clamp bar
Implementation Method 2
The first cord-clamp bar and the second cord-clamp bar are movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis of the cord lock, such that movement of the first cord-clamp bar and the second cord-clamp bar relative to one another increases or decreases frictional resistance on a cord positioned in the cord lock
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cord lock includes various components used to slidably adjust a length of cord. The cord lock may include a first cord-clamp bar and a second cord-clamp bar that are movably coupled to each other, to allow control of frictional resistance on a cord threaded through various apertures and cord-receiving channels of the cord lock. The cord lock may be incorporated into an article such that it is at least partially concealed within an article layer.