Lace Spool Ratchet Fastening With Incremental Release Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for laces, such as those using springs or buckles, suffer from issues like easy release due to vibrations, complex structures, high manufacturing costs, assembly difficulties, and lack of incremental release functionality.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a case, spool, knob, and engaging unit featuring pawl arms and abutting members that allow for incremental release through controlled rotation of the knob, enabling tensioning and incremental release by selectively engaging and disengaging with engaging teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-based fastening mechanism is used, then the lace can be clamped and fastened, but the lace is easily released due to vibrations or external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical fastening system with a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism. The pawl arm engages with teeth on the spool to prevent reverse rotation, providing reliable one-way locking. This mechanical substitution eliminates the vibration sensitivity of spring-based systems while enabling controlled incremental release through knob rotation.
2Ease of operation
If a complex buckle structure is used to receive and tension the cord, then the cord can be securely fastened with incremental release capability, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening device into distinct functional components: a spool for lace winding, a pawl arm for one-way engagement, teeth for mechanical interlocking, and a knob for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying manufacturing and assembly compared to integrated complex buckle designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the incremental release function from a complex buckle structure and implements it through a simplified spool-pawl-teeth mechanism. The pawl arm selectively engages or disengages from the teeth based on knob rotation direction, providing incremental release capability without requiring complex internal buckle mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If a knot is tied to secure the article, then the cord can be tightened, but the knot is loosened easily and needs to be retied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the knot-tying method with a ratchet-based mechanical fastening system. The pawl arm engages with the teeth on the spool to prevent reverse rotation, providing secure locking without requiring knots. This mechanical system maintains tightening security while eliminating the need to retie knots.
4Volume of stationary object
If the lace is exposed outside the fastening mechanism, then the mechanism has no space to receive the lace, but the exposure of the lace may bring danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a spool structure where the lace is wound and contained within the spool body. The spool acts as a nested container, receiving and securing the lace internally while presenting a compact external profile. This nesting approach eliminates lace exposure dangers while maximizing the use of internal space.
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
Provides secure, incremental control over lace tension, preventing full release unless desired, and simplifies assembly while maintaining ease of use and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one abutting member is deflected by a tension of the lace to offset a friction temporarily
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
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device includes a case including a plurality of engaging teeth, a spool disposed at the case and configured for a lace to be wound therearound, a knob covering the case, and an engaging unit disposed at the case and coupled to the spool. The engaging unit includes at least one pawl arm selectively coupled to at least one of the engaging teeth, and at least one abutting member. As the knob is rotated in a tensioning direction, the engaging unit is rotated and the pawl arm is disengaged from the engaging teeth to allow the spool to tension the lace. As the knob is rotated in a releasing direction to allow the pawl arm to disengage from the engaging teeth, the abutting member is deflected by a tension of the lace to offset a friction temporarily, thereby allowing the lace to be incrementally released.