Integrated Cord-Lock Assembly for Secure Retention and Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cord locks that are only attached to the cord can be lost or misplaced and may be inconveniently flung about, as they are not securely integrated with the article they are intended to adjust.
Innovation Solution
A semi-concealed cord-lock assembly that integrates a cord lock with an article layer, featuring a biasing element to misalign channels and increase friction, allowing adjustable cord length while being securely housed within the article, reducing the likelihood of loss and providing stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cord lock is only attached to the cord, then the cord lock can be easily adjusted and operated, but the cord lock can be lost or misplaced and may be flung about
Solution Approach 1:
The cord lock is merged with the article layer by integrating it into an aperture or channel formed in the article layer. This combining of the cord lock with the article structure prevents the cord lock from being lost or misplaced while maintaining its adjustability function through the integrated aperture mechanism.
2Reliability
If the cord lock is integrated into the article layer, then the cord lock is securely retained and prevents loss, but the cord lock becomes less accessible and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The cord lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the aperture collar forming the retention structure, the biasing element providing automatic locking force, and the cord passage allowing cord movement. This segmentation enables the integrated cord lock to maintain both secure retention through the aperture and easy operation through the exposed cord ends and simple pull-to-adjust mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element automatically engages the cord lock with the article layer without requiring additional fastening steps. The spring-loaded or elastomeric biasing element continuously applies force to maintain the cord lock in its retained position, allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain both retention and accessibility without user intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the cord lock is exposed and accessible, then the cord length can be easily adjusted, but the cord lock may be flung about and cause inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The cord lock is nested within the article layer structure, with the aperture collar and biasing element housed within or integrated into the article material. This nesting confines the cord lock mechanism to a fixed position within the article, preventing it from flinging about while allowing the cord to extend through the aperture for adjustment.
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 provides a secure, adjustable, and concealed cord-lock system that prevents loss and minimizes cord movement, enhancing user convenience and article functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element coupled between the first portion and the second portion... The biasing element provides a force in a first direction to misalign the first through-channel and the second through-channel
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element coupled between the first portion and the second portion... provides a force in a first direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A cord-lock assembly comprising: a cord lock having a first portion, a second portion, and a biasing element coupled between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion including a first through-channel; the second portion including a second through-channel that is alignable with the first through-channel; and the biasing element providing a force in a first direction to misalign the first through-channel and the second through-channel; and an article layer having a first aperture, the first aperture bounded by an aperture collar that forms a perimeter around the first aperture, wherein at least part of the first portion is positioned in the first aperture and is circumscribed by the aperture collar, and wherein the first direction of the force is axially aligned with the first aperture, wherein the article layer forms a tubular encasing that at least partially encloses a space, wherein the first portion is seated with the second portion in the space and extends through the first aperture to a position that is external from the space and is not enclosed within the tubular encasing, and either wherein the first portion includes a housing having one or more sidewalls at least partially enclosing a plunger-receiving space, the one or more sidewalls including the first through-channel, and wherein the second portion includes a plunger having the second through-channel that is alignable with the first through-channel when the plunger is at least partially received in the plunger-receiving space; or wherein the second portion includes a housing having one or more sidewalls at least partially enclosing a plunger-receiving space, the one or more sidewalls including the second through-channel, and wherein the first portion includes a plunger having the first through-channel that is alignable with the second through-channel when the plunger is at least partially received in the plunger-receiving space.