Retractable Strap With Spring Brake Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container straps are often rigid or loose, leading to tangling, obstruction, and potential hazards such as snagging, tripping, or injury, and lack versatility in attachment to different types of containers.
Innovation Solution
A retractable strap with a retractor mechanism that allows for adjustable length, attachment at multiple points, and a brake system to maintain tautness, featuring a flexible material and swivel clips capable of supporting significant loads, and an optional buckle for length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loose strap is used for carrying a container, then the strap provides flexibility and ease of attachment, but the strap becomes prone to tangling and obstructing the area around the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a retractable strap mechanism that transitions between extended and retracted states. The strap extends when needed for attachment and operation, then automatically retracts to minimize tangling and obstruction hazards. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility during use while eliminating the harmful effects when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic loose strap configuration and replaces it with a contained retraction mechanism. The strap is taken out of the loose state and integrated into a controlled retraction system that stores the strap within a housing, removing the tangling and obstruction issues while preserving the attachment functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid strap is used for carrying a container, then the strap maintains its shape and position, but the strap cannot be easily adjusted or stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the strap dynamically adjustable through a retraction mechanism. The strap can extend to provide the needed length and flexibility for attachment, then retract to maintain a compact, stable form factor for storage. This dynamic capability provides both shape maintenance and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a retractable strap system that serves multiple functions: it provides extended length when needed for attachment, maintains compact storage when retracted, and can be easily deployed or stowed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between shape maintenance and adjustability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a retractable strap is implemented, then the strap minimizes tangling and obstruction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing an automatic retraction mechanism that uses spring force to retract the strap without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically returning to the retracted state after use, reducing the complexity of control mechanisms while still achieving the goal of minimizing tangling and obstruction.
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 retractable strap minimizes the risk of damage and injury by keeping the strap taut when in use and retracted, preventing tangling and obstruction, while being easily attachable to various container types, ensuring safe and convenient handling.
Implementation Method 1
The retraction spring may bias the strip of flexible material into/toward the fully retracted position.
Implementation Method 2
The retraction spring may bias the strip of flexible material into/toward the fully retracted position.
Implementation Method 3
The friction brake may apply a force on the strip of flexible material to prevent extension or retraction of the strap.
Data Source
AI summary
A strap may be removably attachable to a container. The strap may include a retractor having an opening, a retraction spring and a brake. The strap may further include a strip of flexible material attached to the retraction spring and extending through the opening of the retractor. The strap may also include clips attaching the retractor and distal end of the flexible material to the container. The strip of flexible material may move from a fully retracted position, where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is nearest the retractor, relative to the entire length of the strip of flexible material, to an extended position where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is furthest from the retractor. The retraction spring may bias the strip of flexible material into/toward the fully retracted position.