Integrated Pushbutton Blocking Mechanism for Extensible Cords

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pet lead winding devices face usability and construction challenges due to the separate positioning of the safety stop element, making them difficult to maneuver and complex to assemble.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the safety brake into the same pushbutton as the temporary stop, utilizing a thumb-turn mechanism that allows for both temporary and permanent blocking of the extensible cord by rotating a cursor into a housing, simplifying production and use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the safety stop element is positioned separately from the temporary stop pushbutton, then the blocking functionality is reliable, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking functionalityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the safety stop element and temporary stop pushbutton into a single integrated component. The pushbutton structure incorporates both the temporary stop function (activated by pressing) and the safety stop function (activated by rotation), eliminating the need for separate blocking mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable blocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pushbutton is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both temporary stopping and safety stopping functions. By integrating the safety brake mechanism directly into the pushbutton structure, a single component accomplishes what previously required multiple separate components, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the safety stop element is positioned separately from the temporary stop pushbutton, then the blocking functionality is reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking functionalityVSAvoidmanoeuvrability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of safety stop and temporary stop functions into a single pushbutton eliminates the need for users to locate and operate separate controls. The unified design allows users to access both stopping functions from one location, significantly improving ease of operation and maneuverability while maintaining the reliability of blocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional pushbutton provides both temporary and safety stopping capabilities through a single interface. Users can perform both blocking operations using one control element, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple separate controls and improving overall ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate auxiliary mechanical components are used for the safety pushbutton, then the blocking functionality is reliable, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking functionalityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the safety stop mechanism and temporary stop pushbutton into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration eliminates the need for separate auxiliary mechanical components, simplifying both production processes and assembly operations while maintaining reliable blocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional pushbutton design consolidates multiple blocking functions into one component, reducing the total part count and simplifying manufacturing. Instead of producing and assembling separate safety stop and temporary stop components, manufacturers can produce a single integrated pushbutton assembly, improving ease of manufacture and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2542050B1Lead equipped with means for blocking the extensible cord
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 FERPLAST SRL
  • EP2542050B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2542050B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2542050B1 patent drawingFigure 5~10

AI summary

An extensible cord lead comprising a casing (11) containing a winding wheel (13) equipped with housings (15) intercepted by a pushbutton (16) to allow the partial or total blocking of the cord, the pushbutton (16) being equipped with a forward position blocking device consisting of a cursor (20) which slides or rotates in a transverse direction with respect to the axis of the pushbutton (16) in which it is inserted, said cursor (20) being activated by a thumb-turn (21) located on the head of the pushbutton (16), said cursor (20) being able to move from a blocked position to free sliding of the pushbutton, entering and exiting transversally to the sliding axis of the pushbutton (16), in a housing (22) in the box-like casing (11) of the winding device.