Modular Attachment Interfaces to Prevent Accidental Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems are complex, costly, and difficult to use, particularly in orthopedic and medical devices, due to the need for component-specific interfaces and a high risk of accidental detachment, which increases manufacturing complexity and reduces compliant use.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable attachment device with modular interfaces that can securely attach different components, such as cables and straps, using protruding and receiving portions with locking mechanisms, allowing for intuitive and cost-effective adaptation to various components and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If component-specific attachment interfaces are used to securely attach different components, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized attachment interface that can securely attach multiple different components (cables, straps, medical devices) without requiring component-specific interfaces. This standardized interface includes a body with a channel and attachment features that work universally across different component types, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment interface is segmented into distinct functional portions: a body portion defining a channel, a first attachment portion for securing to a strap, and a second attachment portion for securing to another component. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and universality of the attachment system.
2Reliability
If component-specific attachment interfaces are used to match different components, then attachment reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a universal attachment interface that can attach to multiple different component types (cables, straps, medical devices), the patent eliminates the need to manufacture multiple component-specific interfaces. This single standardized interface reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable attachment across all component types.
3Reliability
If complex attachment systems are used to provide robust support, then attachment reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment interface is divided into simple, distinct functional portions that perform specific tasks: the body with channel for routing, the first attachment portion for strap securing, and the second attachment portion for component securing. This segmentation creates an intuitive, easy-to-operate system while maintaining robust attachment through the coordinated function of these simple portions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple component-specific attachment components are provided to attach different components, then attachment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves attachment versatility through a single universal attachment interface that can securely attach different component types (cables, straps, medical devices) without requiring multiple component-specific interfaces. This universal interface provides adaptability while minimizing device complexity by consolidating multiple attachment functions into one standardized design.
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable attachment device includes a first attachment interface supporting a first component, and a second attachment interface supporting at least one second component. The first and second attachment interfaces define cooperating attachment portions arranged for securing an end portion of the first attachment interface to an end portion of the second attachment interface to form an attachment junction.