Open Loop Connector With Manual Slot-Lock Closure for Sheet Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing open loop connectors lack a mechanism for easy manual closure and adjustment to securely pass through and return through sheet materials, particularly in applications requiring variable loop sizes and secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A self-holding open loop connector with a pointed leading end and enlarged trailing end, featuring a hook-shaped design with outwardly facing shoulders and relieved sections, allowing for manual operation to close the loop securely and adjustably, enabling passage through and return through sheet materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the loop connector is designed to be manually operable for closure, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for self-holding configuration and enlargement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The loop connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a pointed leading end for penetration, a loop body for flexibility, an enlargement section for engagement, and a trailing end for return through material. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall manual operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The loop connector employs a self-holding configuration where the loop body resists closure automatically, then allows manual override to bring ends together. The enlargement section dynamically transitions from a restricted state to an engaged state, providing controlled movement during the closing operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed to pass through and return through sheet material, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for the pointed end portion
Solution Approach 1:
The pointed leading end is pre-formed during manufacturing with the correct geometry for penetration and return through material. This preliminary action ensures that the critical penetration function is achieved without requiring high precision during the actual use operation, as the geometry is already optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector exhibits different geometric qualities at different locations: a sharp pointed leading end for penetration, a flexible loop body for maneuvering, and an enlarged trailing section for engagement. Each local region has optimized properties for its specific function, allowing adaptability without requiring uniform high precision throughout.
3Reliability
If the loop provides secure holding in open position, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to increased resistance to closure
Solution Approach 1:
The loop body is configured to automatically resist closure, creating a preliminary anti-action that holds the loop in the open position. This self-holding configuration prevents accidental closure while maintaining the ability to close when deliberately operated, balancing reliability with controlled operability.
Data Source
AI summary
An open loop connector 10 (to enlarged scale) having a leading end 11 and a trailing end 12 joined by a loop body part 13. A hook point portion 18 includes a sharp point 19 with an inward curve 20 so that with a downward stroke the point 19, which is projecting out from the loop, catches sheet material and its curve gives it reentrant function through the sheet. The trailing end 12 has an enlargement 21 which has a narrow slot 22. The hook point portion 18 faces the slot 22. The hook point portion 18 has an enlargement attachment as narrow outwardly facing relieved sections 23 and 24 matched to the slot 22 so that this narrow section may pass closely through the slot 22. The enlargement has an undercut 25 providing a shoulder 26 so that the hook portion may manually be extended to align the narrow relieved sections with the slot, the narrow section 23, 24 may then be pushed through the slot 22 and released back into the slot 22, the shoulder region 26 locks under shoulder 25 thereby closing the loop. The reverse process unlocks and opens the loop. By reason of the configuration of the hook, the curve of the loop and the slot 22, the back of the recesses 23 and 24 at 27 is inclined to the curved line of the loop. This aids entry into slot 22.