Reel Closure Coupling for Knot-Free Tension Member Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure systems for articles such as shoes and clothing often require complex knotting or alteration of tension members, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, and lack efficient mechanisms for quick tightening and securing.
Innovation Solution
A reel-based closure system featuring a housing with a spool component and a tightening mechanism that winds a tension member around the spool, utilizing a coupling component that frictionally engages with the tension member without the need for knots, allowing for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional closure systems use knotting or alteration of tension members, then the article can be secured about the body part, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional knotting mechanism with a reel-based mechanical winding system. The tension member is wound around a reel component, and a ratchet mechanism prevents unwinding, eliminating the need for complex knotting while enabling quick securing and release of the article.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from manual knotting to mechanical winding. By rotating the reel, the tension member is rapidly wound to secure the article, and releasing the ratchet allows quick unwinding and removal, dramatically reducing the time required to close and secure the article.
2Ease of operation
If conventional closure systems are modified to increase fit and comfort, then the article provides better comfort, but the closure system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closure system into distinct functional components: a reel component for winding, a ratchet mechanism for locking, and a tension member. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing adjustable fit and comfort without excessive overall system complexity.
3Loss of time
If conventional closure systems use pull cords and straps for quick closing, then the closing time is decreased, but the system requires complex tensioning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of quick tensioning from complex pull cord and strap systems, consolidating it into a simple reel-winding mechanism. The reel component with its ratchet mechanism provides rapid tensioning and securing without requiring the complexity of multiple pull cords, straps, and associated tensioning devices.
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 system enables quick and secure tightening of articles by rotating the spool within the housing, providing a convenient and efficient method for adjusting fit without the need for complex knotting or alterations to the tension member.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling component frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed about the tension member
Data Source
AI summary
A reel based closure device includes a housing, a tension member, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a tightening component that is positioned axially above the spool and that is operably coupled therewith so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the housing to wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a coupling component that is separate from the tension member and that frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed to the tension member. The spool component includes a coupling feature within which the coupling component is positioned to attach the tension member to the spool.