Locking Buckle for Single-Handed Elastomer Cord Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing binding systems, such as ropes and bungees, often require assistance from a second person to achieve tension and secure knots, especially when adjusting or cutting materials for applications like clothing, construction, and outdoor sports, lacking an efficient single-handed solution for binding objects.
Innovation Solution
A locking buckle system with opposing channels that securely holds an elastomeric cord, allowing for single-handed tension adjustment and binding of objects without the need for additional assistance, using a sequence of cord portions that vary in length and compression to pass through channels of specific widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rope or bungee is used for binding objects, then binding function is achieved, but assistance from another person is required to maintain tension during knot formation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking buckle system enables the user to complete the binding operation independently without requiring another person to hold or press on the binding material. The self-retaining locking mechanism allows the cord to be secured while maintaining tension through the locking action rather than requiring continuous external pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking buckle acts as an intermediary device between the elastomeric cord and the objects being bound. It provides a mechanical advantage system with opposing channels that guide and compress the cord, enabling secure locking without direct manual pressure on the cord itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bungee is used without hooks, then adjustable range is achieved, but knot tying requires third hand assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking buckle system eliminates the need for traditional knot-tying operations by providing a self-service locking mechanism. The user can adjust the binding length and secure it independently through the locking action, without requiring another person to assist with holding or pressing the cord during the securing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains adjustability by allowing the elastomeric cord to be stretched and compressed through the opposing channels of the locking buckle. The cord can be adjusted to different lengths and tensions, and the locking mechanism secures these parameter settings without requiring knots.
3Ease of manufacture
If rope or strap is used for adjustment, then binding function is achieved, but cutting or adjusting requires third hand assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The locking buckle system provides self-service adjustment capability where the user can independently modify the binding length and tension. The opposing channels guide the cord through compression and stretching actions, allowing the user to adjust the binding without requiring another person to hold or secure the material during the adjustment process.
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
Enables efficient, single-person binding and attachment of objects by allowing the user to adjust and secure the elastomeric cord within the channels, eliminating the need for additional hands to maintain tension, thus simplifying tasks in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The third portion of the elastomeric cord is compressed to pass through the first opposing channel. The first opposing channel has a channel width characterized to compress the elastomeric cord. The fourth portion of the elastomeric cord is then stretched by the user and forced to pass through the second opposing channel
Data Source
AI summary
A binding system is provided for attaching a first object to a second object and/or for bundling a plurality of objects. The binding system includes a locking work piece having a first channel and a second channel, the first channel having a channel opening on a first side of the locking work piece, the second channel having a channel opening at an opposite side of the locking work piece. An elastomeric cord has a first end and a second end, and a first cross-sectional dimension when in an unstretched condition, wherein the first channel has a width that is less than the first cross-sectional dimension of the elastomer cord, wherein the elastomer cord may be guided around the second object so that the second end can be connected to the locking work piece by stretching the elastomer cord to reduce the cross-sectional dimension of the elastomer cord to a size smaller than the width of the first channel, inserted into the first channel, and unstretched so that the elastomer cord is retained within the first channel, and wherein the second channel has a width that is less than the first cross-sectional dimension of the elastomer cord, wherein the second end of the elastomer cord that is retained within the first channel can be further stretched to reduce the cross-sectional dimension of the elastomer cord to a size smaller than the width of the second channel, inserted into the second channel, and unstretched so that the elastomer cord is retained within the second channel.