Interlocking Fastening Arrangement with Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening arrangements for garments and accessories are rigid, non-adjustable, and difficult to open or close, especially when out of sight, causing discomfort and usability issues, particularly for users with limited dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A fastening arrangement featuring a first fastening member with interlocking teeth and a second fastening member with a channel and biasing mechanism, allowing for adjustable and easy engagement and disengagement, using soft polymer materials for comfort and a fabric cover for visibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional hard plastic fastening arrangements are used, then tensile strength is sufficient, but comfort and adaptability to body contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by covering the rigid fastening members with flexible fabric material. The fabric cover conforms to body contours and prevents skin irritation while the internal rigid structure maintains tensile strength. This creates a composite structure where the rigid core provides strength and the flexible outer layer provides comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines rigid plastic fastening members with soft fabric covering to create a composite structure. The rigid plastic provides the necessary tensile strength for fastening, while the soft fabric layer provides comfort and adaptability to body contours, eliminating skin irritation.
2Device complexity
If conventional non-adjustable fastening members are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fastening member into multiple segments with individual teeth that can engage at different positions. This segmentation allows the fastening arrangement to be adjusted to different lengths and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each tooth represents a discrete adjustment position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing the fastening members to be engaged at multiple positions along the strap length. The mechanism transitions from a fixed, non-adjustable state to a dynamically adjustable state where the user can select different engagement positions based on needed strap length.
3Device complexity
If conventional small components are used, then device size is minimized, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by providing a counterbalancing force through the biasing member that automatically urges the fastening members into engagement. This mechanical assistance compensates for the small size of components, making engagement easier by providing a self-closing force that guides the components together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the biasing member that automatically urges the fastening members into engagement without requiring precise manual alignment. The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-aligning and self-closing functionality, making operation easier even with small components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid fastening arrangements are used, then structural stability is maintained, but comfort and adaptability to body contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent covers the rigid fastening structure with a flexible fabric shell that conforms to body contours. This flexible outer layer eliminates discomfort and irritation caused by rigid surfaces while the internal rigid structure maintains structural stability for secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid plastic fastening members with soft fabric covering. The rigid component provides structural stability and secure engagement, while the soft fabric layer provides comfort and adaptability to body contours, eliminating discomfort.
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 comfortable, adjustable, and easily operable fastening system that adapts to body contours, allowing for fine adjustments and easy operation even when not visible, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is configured to urge the first interlocking member into engagement with the second interlocking member when the first fastening member is inserted into the channel of the second fastening member
Implementation Method 2
The second surface is configured to deform when a release force is applied to the second fastening member. The release force causes the second interlocking members to be removed from the first interlocking members
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening arrangement comprises a first fastening member connected to a first strap and a second fastening member connected to a second strap. The first fastening member includes a first surface comprising at least one first interlocking member. The second fastening member includes a channel positioned between a second surface and a biasing member. The channel is configured to receive the first fastening member with the first surface facing the second surface. The second surface includes at least one second interlocking member configured to engage the first interlocking member in a manner that blocks the first interlocking member from moving relative to the second interlocking member in at least one direction. The biasing member is configured to urge the first interlocking member into engagement with the second interlocking member when the first fastening member is inserted into the channel of the second fastening member.