Net Overlock Fixing Device with Compressed Side Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing net fixing devices for sports equipment, such as cages and nets, often fail to securely attach the overlock along its entire length, leading to detachment and gaping issues due to broken hooks or overlocks coming out of hooks.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device in the form of a profile with side walls, grooves, and tongues that fits into a slot, ensuring the overlock is securely fastened by reducing the space between the side walls to less than the overlock's diameter, with wings and extraction grooves for stability and easy installation/removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open hooks are used to fix the net, then installation is simple, but the overlock can come out and the net detaches
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is inserted into the slot on the support, and the overlock is inserted into the fixing device, creating a nested structure (overlock within fixing device within slot) that ensures secure attachment while maintaining simple installation
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device acts as an intermediary component between the overlock and the support, providing a secure mechanical connection that prevents the overlock from coming out while maintaining ease of installation and removal
2Device complexity
If hooks are fixed 30 cm apart, then the structure is simple, but gaps appear when one hook breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device secures the overlock along its entire length within the slot, providing continuous attachment rather than discrete hook points, which ensures the net remains intact even if one fixing device is compromised
3Reliability
If the fixing device reduces space between side walls, then the overlock is securely fixed, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device features flexible side walls that can be inserted into the slot and then spring back to engage the overlock, providing secure fixation through elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device includes curved engagement surfaces and rounded features that facilitate easy insertion and removal while maintaining secure holding of the overlock through geometric interlocking
4Reliability
If the overlock is completely fixed along its length, then detachment is prevented, but installation and removal become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device utilizes dynamic elastic deformation of its side walls during installation and removal, allowing easy insertion and extraction while maintaining static secure fixation of the overlock along its entire length during normal use
Data Source
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Figure 6
AI summary
The device (150) has a body including a base for connecting opposite side walls and receiving an over-locking unit (106) at a support (102) i.e. beam. An extraction groove is extended on an outer face of each the side walls and adapted to accommodate one of edges (110a, 110b). Strips are secured to an inner face of one of the side walls and extended towards the base and an inner face of opposite side wall so as to partially seal a reduced space between the side walls, where the space is lower than a diameter of the over-locking unit when the device is placed in a slot. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a separation/protection assembly (2) a cage.