Lace Fastening Ratchet Mechanism for Secure Incremental Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for laces, such as buckles, face issues with security due to external forces and vibrations, and lack incremental release functionality, leading to manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a case, a spool, ratchet teeth, a ratchet arm, and a knob, where the ratchet arm is selectively engaged with ratchet teeth to prevent spool rotation during tightening and allows incremental release by disengaging from the teeth when operated, enabling precise lace adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple fastening mechanism with spring and driving unit is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the lace is easily released due to vibrations or external force
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is segmented into distinct functional components: a case with holes for lace passage, a driving unit with a spool for lace winding, and a ratchet mechanism with teeth and a blocking member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the driving unit and the case. The ratchet teeth engage with the blocking member to prevent the driving unit from rotating in the lace-releasing direction, thereby mediating the force transmission and preventing accidental lace release due to vibrations or external forces while maintaining simple construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a buckle with interference between components is used to tighten and adjust cord length, then the cord can be received inside and adjusted, but the structure becomes complex increasing manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a case containing the ratchet mechanism and a separate driving unit with spool. This segmentation provides adaptability for cord adjustment while keeping each component's structure simple, avoiding the complexity of integrated buckles with multiple interfering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism serves multiple functions: it prevents the driving unit from rotating in the lace-releasing direction during normal operation, allows incremental lace release when the blocking member is manually moved, and can be fully disengaged for complete lace removal. This multi-functionality replaces the need for complex buckle mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a buckle is used for cord tightening, then the cord can be received inside the buckle, but full release function is the only option and incremental release is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the ratchet teeth. It can be positioned to engage with specific teeth for incremental lace release, moved to different positions for different release amounts, or completely disengaged for full release. This dynamic positioning provides multiple release options while maintaining ease of operation through simple manual movement.
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 device provides secure tightening and incremental release functionality, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing costs by simplifying the structure and assembly process while maintaining lace security.
Implementation Method 1
The incremental releasing set includes a ratchet arm and an operated portion, the ratchet arm is selectively engaged with at least one of the ratchet teeth
Implementation Method 2
Through the reaction force between the spring and the driving unit, the lace can be clamped between the driving unit and the case so as to be fastened
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device includes a case, a spool, a plurality of ratchet teeth, an incremental releasing set and a knob. The incremental releasing set includes a ratchet arm and an operated portion, the ratchet arm is selectively engaged with at least one of the ratchet teeth, and the operated portion is linked with the ratchet arm. The knob is disposed at the case. The ratchet arm is engaged with at least one of the ratchet teeth to prohibit the spool from rotating in a releasing direction, and as the knob is rotated in a tightening direction, the ratchet arm is disengaged from at least one of the ratchet teeth to allow the spool to tighten the lace; as the operated portion is operated, the ratchet arm is disengaged from at least one of the ratchet teeth, such that allows the lace to be incrementally released.