Integrated Cord Lock with Dual Hook Concave Bending Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cord locks for clothing, backpacks, and other items have complex structures, high production costs, and limited durability, with existing designs requiring multiple components and assembly processes, and are prone to degradation over time.
Innovation Solution
A unified cord lock design featuring a foundation element integrated with first and second cord hook elements, where the concave elements on these hooks create a bend in the cord for locking, eliminating the need for assembly and reducing production costs, and allowing for easy attachment and detachment from cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cord lock is made with multiple elements (pressing core, outer shell, spring), then the cord locking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (pressing core, outer shell, spring) into a single integrated cord lock body made of elastic material. The elastic material itself provides both the structural framework and the spring function, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing structural complexity while maintaining the cord locking function.
2Reliability
If cord lock is made with multiple elements requiring assembly, then the cord locking function is achieved, but the packaging process becomes time-intensive and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all functional components into a single molded elastic body, eliminating assembly steps. The cord lock can be directly packaged onto cords without requiring separate assembly operations, significantly improving packaging efficiency and reducing production costs.
3Productivity
If hard rubber cord lock is used with integrated design, then packaging process is simplified, but the material durability is insufficient and clamping ability degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermoplastic elastomer as the material, which combines the advantages of both thermoplastics and elastomers. This composite material provides excellent durability, resistance to degradation over time, and maintained clamping ability, while still allowing for integrated molding and simplified packaging processes.
4Device complexity
If soft rubber cord lock is made as single piece, then packaging is simplified, but the clamping force degrades with extended use and weather exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermoplastic elastomer material that maintains stable clamping force over time and under various weather conditions. The material's composite structure provides both simplicity for integrated manufacturing and reliability for sustained performance, overcoming the degradation issues of soft rubber.
5Reliability
If traditional cord lock with pressing mechanism is used, then cord locking is achieved, but the operation requires pressing action which reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cord lock to automatically lock when the cord is threaded through it, without requiring any pressing action. The elastic material's natural recovery force provides the locking mechanism, making the operation as simple as threading the cord through the lock, significantly improving ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A cord lock comprises a basic portion, and a first hook portion and a second hook portion integrated with the basic portion. The first hook portion and the second hook portion are formed at a first side of the basic portion. The first hook portion has a first concave portion for securing a cord. The second hook portion has a second concave portion for securing the cord. The opening direction of the first concave portion is different from that of the second concave portion. The first concave portion and the second concave portion bend the cord between the first hook portion and the second hook portion so as to secure the cord. The cord lock can be assembled on a cord at any time without having to be assembled on a product in advance and can be removed at any time, thereby making the production arrangement more flexible.