Loop Connector Structure for Adjustable Multi-Loop Cable Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable locks do not effectively secure items to stationary objects that are far apart, as they lack a mechanism to form a loop that can accommodate varying distances between the item and the fixed object, limiting their effectiveness in preventing theft.

Innovation Solution

A loop connector with a connector body featuring two perpendicular through holes allows a cable to form a loop, which can be used independently or in conjunction with a cable lock to secure items by forming multiple loops around fixed objects, providing enhanced theft protection by accommodating different distances and geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a conventional cable lock is used, then the cable can be extended or retracted to secure items, but the cable cannot effectively secure items to stationary objects that are far apart

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance between article and stationary objectVSAvoidsecurity effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable lock is divided into separate functional components: a lock body, a cable, and an independent loop connector. The loop connector can be detached and repositioned along the cable, allowing the cable to form loops around multiple stationary objects at different locations, thereby extending the effective securing distance while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loop connector acts as an intermediary component between the cable and the stationary objects. It enables the cable to form closed loops around objects at various distances by providing attachment points through its through holes, allowing the cable to effectively bridge larger gaps between the article and stationary objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cable is made flexible and bendable to wind around stationary objects, then it can satisfy securing needs, but it lacks the ability to form secure closed loops around multiple objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to wind around objectsVSAvoidclosed loop formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The loop connector is segmented into a connector body with multiple through holes, allowing the cable to pass through and form distinct loop sections. This segmentation enables the cable to create stable closed loops around multiple objects while maintaining flexibility to adapt to different object arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loop connector provides multiple through holes in different orientations (e.g., first through hole and second through hole with perpendicular normal directions), adding dimensional versatility to the cable's looping capability. This allows the cable to form loops in multiple directions and planes, enhancing both adaptability and loop stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the loop connector is integrated with the lock body, then the structure is simplified, but the lock cannot be operated in conjunction with various loop connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure integrationVSAvoidcompatibility with various loop connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The loop connector is extracted from the lock body as a separate, independent component. This allows the loop connector to be detached and used with different lock bodies or cable lock systems, significantly enhancing versatility while keeping the overall system design relatively simple through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The loop connector is designed as a universal component that can be used with various lock types including pad locks and cable locks. Its independent design with standardized through holes allows it to function with different lock bodies, making it a multi-functional element that enhances system adaptability without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20120137741A1Loop Connector and Cable Lock Using the Same

Publication Date: 2012.06.07 SINOX CO LTD

AI summary

A loop connector and a cable lock having the loop connector are provided. The cable lock includes a cable, a lock body, and the loop connector. The lock body has a lock unit and a restricting unit. The lock unit can restrict or release the restricting unit to allow the restricting unit to movably restrict or release the cable. The cable thereby extends or retracts in this manner. The loop connector has a connector body that includes a first through hole and a second through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are adjacent to each other, wherein the normal direction of the cross section of the first through hole is perpendicular to the normal direction of the cross section of the second through hole. When the cable passing through the lock body passes through the loop connector, the cable forms a plurality of loops at the lock body with the loop connector and the lock body to secure and protect one or more articles from being stolen.