Ratchet Lace Fastener With Incremental and Full Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for laces, such as buckles, face issues with insecurity due to easy loosening under external forces or vibrations, lack of incremental release functionality, and complex structures that increase manufacturing costs and assembly difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device comprising a case, a spool, ratchet teeth, an incremental releasing set, and a knob, where the ratchet element with a ratchet arm and swinging arm allows for incremental and full release of the lace by engaging and disengaging with ratchet teeth, enabling secure tightening and controlled release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple spring-based fastening mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the lace is easily released due to vibrations or external force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidsecuring force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical fastening system with a ratchet-based mechanical system. The ratchet teeth and ratchet arm create a one-way locking mechanism that prevents the spool from rotating in the releasing direction, providing reliable securing force while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic ratchet arm that can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the ratchet teeth. This dynamic element allows the system to transition between locked and released states, providing both security during use and controlled release when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a buckle with interference between components is used, then the cord can be received inside and adjusted, but the structure becomes complex with increased manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecord length adjustmentVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fastening device into distinct functional components: a spool for winding the lace, a ratchet mechanism for one-way locking, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of cord length adjustment from complex buckle mechanisms and implements it through a simple spool-ratchet system. The lace can be wound onto the spool to adjust length, while the ratchet provides automatic locking without requiring complex interference-based mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a traditional buckle is used, then full release function is available, but incremental release function is missing causing usage inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial release functionality through the swinging arm mechanism. By operating the swinging arm, the ratchet arm is disengaged from the ratchet teeth, allowing the spool to rotate partially and release a portion of the lace. This enables incremental release without requiring full disassembly or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 device provides secure tightening and incremental release functionality, preventing loosening under external forces and vibrations, while simplifying the structure to reduce manufacturing costs and assembly complexities.

Implementation Method 1

The ratchet arm is engaged with at least one of the ratchet teeth to prohibit the spool from rotating in a releasing direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

Through the reaction force between the spring and the driving unit, the lace can be clamped between the driving unit and the case so as to be fastened

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring restoring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20240049840A1Fastening device and lace tightening and releasing method

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 CHEN YI YING

AI summary

A fastening device includes a case, a spool, a plurality of ratchet teeth, an incremental releasing set and a knob. The incremental releasing set includes a ratchet element and a swinging arm, the ratchet element includes a ratchet arm and a linking portion, the ratchet arm is selectively engaged with at least one of the ratchet teeth, and the swinging arm is abutted against the linking portion. The ratchet arm is engaged with at least one of the ratchet teeth to prohibit the spool from rotating in a releasing direction; as the knob is rotated in a tightening direction, the ratchet arm is disengaged from at least one of the ratchet teeth to allow the spool to tighten the lace; as the swinging arm is operated, the lace is incrementally released; as the knob is pulled up or rotated in the releasing direction, the lace is fully released.