Retractable Tether Structure for Taut Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethers struggle to manage length adjustments effectively when the distance between connection points changes, leading to tangling and unwanted slack.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tether with a flexible sheath and elastic member, featuring a hook with a gape, bend, and throat, allows for automatic extension and retraction based on distance changes, securing to the sheath to prevent dislodgment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tether length is extended to accommodate increased distance between connection points, then the tether can maintain connection, but the tether becomes slack and tangled when the distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tether incorporates an elastic member that dynamically changes its length based on the distance between connection points. The elastic member can stretch when the distance increases and retract when the distance decreases, automatically adapting to maintain a taut configuration without becoming slack or tangled.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether uses an elastic member whose physical state (length) changes in response to distance variations. The elastic property allows the tether to transition between extended and retracted states, maintaining optimal tension and configuration stability across varying distances.
2Device complexity
If the tether is made non-adjustable to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tether cannot adapt to changing distance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tether applies adjustability only to the elastic member portion while keeping the sheath and hook structures simple and non-adjustable. This localized application of the elastic property provides length adaptability where needed while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Strength
If the hook is made from rigid material to prevent deformation, then the hook strength is improved, but the hook cannot be easily advanced through the sheath openings
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed with a gape that is initially open to facilitate easy insertion through the sheath openings. Once inserted and engaged with the elastic member, the hook's rigid structure provides sufficient strength for its securing function. The preliminary open state enables ease of operation during installation while the rigid material maintains strength during use.
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 tether maintains a taut configuration without tangling, providing hands-free operation and efficient length management.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member and the flexible sheath can each be elastically extendible from a retracted configuration having a retracted length to a taut configuration having a taut length
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable tether for providing a connection between two points includes a flexible sheath with at least one sidewall and a plurality of openings formed through the sidewall. A conduit portion is at least partially circumscribed by the at least one sidewall. An elastic member extends from a first portion of the sheath through the conduit portion of the sheath, and out of a first opening in the sidewall. The elastic member and the flexible sheath are each elastically extendible from a retracted configuration having a retracted length to a taut configuration having a taut length. The elastic member carries at least one hook having a gape, a bend and a throat defined between the gape and the bend, the hook operable to engage a material of the sidewall adjacent the first opening to prevent or limit the hook from moving relative to the sidewall.