Interlocking Hooks for Elastic Straps Preventing Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastic cord hooks with open and closed designs face issues with entanglement during storage and transportation, as open hooks easily engage with objects and closed hooks with spring-loaded gates complicate usage and limit available hook area, while existing solutions either require secondary devices for storage or interfere with the hook's function.
Innovation Solution
Interlocking hooks that engage and lock upon each other when not in use, forming a closed assembly to prevent entanglement and allowing the entire hook area to remain open for use, with embodiments featuring connectors and grooves for frictional or catch-based locking mechanisms, enabling tangle-free storage and transportation without altering the hook's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open hook design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but hooks easily entangle during storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is segmented into two functional parts: the hook portion for engaging objects and the connector portion for interlocking with another hook. This segmentation allows the hook to serve dual purposes - remaining open for easy operation while the connector enables controlled interlocking to prevent entanglement during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the hook function with the connector function into a single integrated component. The hook portion and connector portion are formed as one piece, allowing the hook to both engage objects and interlock with another hook, eliminating the need for separate storage mechanisms
2Object-generated harmful factors
If closed/gated hook design is used, then entanglement is prevented, but gate interferes with hook area and complicates usage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the gate mechanism from the hook design entirely. Instead of using a gate to prevent entanglement, the hook remains open and uses a separate connector portion that interlocks with another hook's connector, preventing entanglement without interfering with the hook area or complicating usage
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between two hooks. Rather than modifying the hook itself with a gate, the connector serves as a mediating element that prevents entanglement by interlocking hooks together during storage while leaving the hook portion fully open for use
3Stability of the object's composition
If gate is added to close hook, then storage stability is improved, but available hook area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is divided into distinct segments: the hook portion that maintains full open area for engaging objects and the connector portion that provides interlocking capability. This segmentation ensures that the gate function is relocated to the connector, preserving the full hook area
4Object-generated harmful factors
If secondary devices are used for storage, then entanglement prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the storage function directly into the hook itself through the connector portion. Hooks can interlock with each other to form storage configurations without requiring external secondary devices, thereby preventing entanglement while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portion provides multiple functions: it enables interlocking for storage, allows end-to-end connection of multiple cords, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage devices while preventing entanglement
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 interlocking hooks provide a solution for tangle-free storage and transportation of elastic cords and rigid straps, allowing for adjustable length and secure storage without requiring secondary devices, improving usability and preventing unwanted engagement with objects.
Implementation Method 1
embodiments featuring connectors and grooves for frictional or catch-based locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic straps include an elastic member 500 including a pair of similar interlocking hook devices 100 connected to each end of elastic member 501. Each interlocking hook device 100, is provided with a connector 300 which is fixedly attached thereon. Each hook device can be connected, preferably in a locking manner, onto the other hook device creating a closed hook assembly thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of elastic or rigid straps when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic straps 500 can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end. Interlocking hook assemblies for elastic members include an elastic member with interlocking hook devices 900 including two similar interlocking hook devices 800 with a connector groove 801 and a catch feature 802 and elastic member 811. Each interlocking hook device 800 is provided with a groove 801 and catch feature 802 designed to allow each hook to engage the other within their respective grooves and to releasably lock them together. Each hook device can be engaged and preferably locked onto the other hook device thereby disabling the hooks to prevent entanglement of the elastic member when not in use or during storage and/or transportation. Multiple elastic members 900 can be connected end-to-end forming an elongated elastic strap of desired length having closed central hooks with open hooks on each end.