Integrated Cord-Lock Assembly for Secure Retention and Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cord locks that are only attached to the cord and not to the article can be lost or misplaced, and may be inconveniently flung about by the cord, as they are not securely integrated into the article.
Innovation Solution
A semi-concealed cord-lock assembly that integrates a cord lock with an article layer, featuring a biasing element to misalign through-channels, allowing adjustable cord length management, with the cord lock being partially enclosed within a tubular encasing of the article layer to provide secure and adjustable cord management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cord lock is only attached to the cord and not to the article, then the cord lock can be easily disconnected from the cord for adjustment, but the cord lock can be lost or misplaced and may be flung about by the cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cord lock mechanism with the article structure by integrating it into the tubular encasing. The cord lock is no longer a separate attachment but becomes part of the article's built-in structure, eliminating the risk of loss while maintaining cord adjustment functionality through the integrated design
2Reliability
If the cord lock is integrated into the article layer with tubular encasing, then the cord lock is securely retained and cannot be lost, but the structure becomes more complex and the cord lock is less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The cord lock mechanism is nested within the tubular encasing structure of the article. This nested design allows the cord lock to be securely retained inside the article while still being accessible through the tubular opening, maintaining simplicity by utilizing the existing article structure rather than adding separate external components
3Ease of operation
If the through-channels are aligned for cord passage, then the cord can pass through easily, but the cord lock cannot maintain tension on the cord
Solution Approach 1:
The cord lock mechanism dynamically transitions between two states: an unlocked state where the through-channels are aligned for easy cord passage, and a locked state where the channels are misaligned to maintain cord tension. The biasing element enables this dynamic switching, allowing the system to alternate between accessibility and tension maintenance as needed
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 solution ensures the cord lock is securely integrated into the article, preventing loss and minimizing cord flinging, while allowing easy adjustment of cord length through a button-like actuation mechanism, enhancing user convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element (such as a spring) that provides a force in a first direction to misalign the first through-channel and the second through-channel
Data Source
AI summary
A cord-lock assembly for slidably adjusting a length of cord is provided. The assembly may include various components such as a cord, a cord lock, and an article layer into which the cord lock and cord may be at least partially integrated. The cord lock may include one or more components that releasably clamp onto the cord and engage the cord through resistance provided by a biasing element. The cord-lock assembly may be configured such that a force applied to the cord lock in axial alignment with an aperture in which the cord lock is positioned allows adjustment of a length of cord extending through the cord lock and/or through the aperture layer.