Off-Center Double-Sided Fastener for Watersports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watersport and surf shorts lack an integrated, independent double-sealed fastener that provides fit adjustability while minimizing skin irritation and fastener failure, particularly due to the reliance on centerline fasteners that experience high friction and agitation during surfing.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable, non-irritating, low-profile material fastener with an integrated fit adjustment device and an independent secure double-sided seal, offset from the wearer's centerline, utilizing a strap with loop material on both sides that passes through an aperture, pulls against an integrated tensioning device, and affixes to hook material on the waistband, forming a double-sided secure fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centerline fastener is used, then the fastening function is provided, but skin irritation and fastener failure occur due to high friction and agitation during surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is deliberately positioned off-center (asymmetrically) relative to the wearer's body centerline. This asymmetric placement moves the fastener away from the high-friction zone where the surfer's body contacts the board, thereby reducing skin irritation while maintaining fastening security through the double-sided hook and loop construction
2Reliability
If a single fastener is used, then the structure is simple, but the fastening security is insufficient during vigorous activity
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate but complementary fastening sections: a first hook material section and a second hook material section, each working with corresponding loop material sections. This segmentation creates a dual-fastening system that significantly enhances security during vigorous activity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fastening mechanisms (hook materials and loop materials) into an integrated double-sided fastening system. The first and second hook materials work together with their respective loop materials to create a unified fastening solution that provides enhanced security without excessive complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If fit adjustability is provided, then the comfort is improved, but additional fasteners are required which increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The off-center fastener design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fit adjustability through the adjustable strap mechanism, ensures fastening security through the double-sided hook and loop construction, and reduces skin irritation by positioning away from the centerline. This multi-functionality achieves fit adjustability without requiring separate additional fasteners
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
The solution provides a secure, adjustable fastener that minimizes skin irritation and fastener failure by distributing pressure and agitation evenly across both sides of the off-center fastener, enhancing the security and durability of the fastening system.
Implementation Method 1
The strap's tip, or billet, has loop material on both sides... The loop material on the garment-facing side of the billet is affixed to hook material on the waistband
Implementation Method 2
A strap is affixed to the garment on the opposite side of the tensioning device. The strap crosses the centerline and passes through an aperture. The strap then reverses back upon itself, pulling against the integrated tensioning device to adjust the fit
Implementation Method 3
The friction between their bodies and the waistband fastener of their shorts can cause skin irritation and that same friction can agitate the fastener, causing it to fail
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener connecting two materials, with a first material having a strap aperture. A second material had an edge, and a strap extending past the edge toward the first material. The strap has a top and bottom side affixing mechanisms. The second material has a second material affixing mechanism and a hinged material panel disposed proximate the second material affixing mechanism comprising a hinged panel affixing mechanism. The fastener has a fastened where the strap passes through the strap aperture, reverse back upon itself and passes the edge. The bottom side affixing mechanism is affixed to the second material affixing mechanism; and the top side affixing mechanism is affixed to the hinged panel affixing mechanism. The strap is interposed between both the second material affixing mechanism and the hinged panel affixing mechanism resulting in a secure, protected independent double-sided material fastener which can be engaged and disengaged repeatedly and adjusted.