Reusable Strap Fastener with Segmented Housing and Side-Release Buckle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tie wraps are primarily one-time use due to their design, which prevents the first end from being removed from the second end once the teeth engage, making them inefficient for repeated use and sizing adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A reusable connecting device featuring a strap with engagement elements and a housing with a cover, along with a two-part attachment mechanism that allows for connection, disconnection, and reconnection, enabling adjustable or non-adjustable configurations for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tie wrap is designed with teeth engaging with notches to prevent removal, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the tie wrap becomes one-time use and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The tie wrap is divided into two separate components: a strap with teeth and a housing with notches. This segmentation allows the strap to be removed from the housing after fastening, enabling reuse while maintaining the secure engagement provided by the teeth-and-notches mechanism during each use cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the strap to be discarded (removed) from the housing after use, but the housing remains and can recover (be reused) with a new strap. This enables the fastening mechanism to be reused multiple times while maintaining reliable fastening through the teeth-notches engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tie wrap allows continuous tightening by pulling the first end through the opening, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the enclosure size cannot be maintained and the tie wrap cannot be reset
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-configured with notches at specific positions that correspond to desired enclosure sizes. When the strap is inserted, the teeth engage with these pre-positioned notches, automatically establishing a predetermined enclosure size without requiring continuous adjustment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is designed to be flexible and adjustable during the fastening process, allowing the user to select different engagement positions with the notches to achieve the desired enclosure size. Once engaged, the system becomes static and maintains that size reliably.
3Device complexity
If the tie wrap is designed as a single integrated piece, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of repair and reuse deteriorates because the entire tie wrap must be replaced when one end is used
Solution Approach 1:
The tie wrap system is segmented into a reusable housing component and a disposable/replaceable strap component. This allows the more durable housing to be reused while only the worn strap needs replacement, improving ease of repair and reuse without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable connecting device that includes a strap with a first end a second end, wherein the strap features teeth located on one of the ends. The reusable tie wrap includes a housing with an opening, which is configured to engage with the teeth of the strap. An attachment mechanism is located on the tie wrap, which is configured to allow for connection, disconnection and reconnection with an attachment mechanism of another device. The attachment mechanism may be a two part buckle enclosure or side-release buckle. In another embodiment, the reusable connecting device may also be coupled to an adjustable connecting device. The adjustable connecting device is configured to be secured to an object with which the reusable connecting device is to be utilized.