Reusable Tie Strap With Multiple Retaining Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tie straps are either single-use or lack the ability to be simultaneously semi-permanent and reusable, with limitations in adjustability and reliability due to soiling or wear of hook-and-loop fasteners and fracturing of button-and-keyhole designs.
Innovation Solution
A tie strap with a plurality of retaining apertures in the head, allowing for insertion of the strap for semi-permanent and reusable strapping to multiple objects, featuring non-bendable ridges and a thermoplastic elastomer composition for enhanced holding strength and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single retaining aperture is used in the head, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The head is segmented into multiple retaining apertures (first retaining aperture and second retaining aperture) positioned at different locations. This allows the strap to be configured in multiple ways - through the first aperture for one configuration and through the second aperture for another configuration - thereby providing strapping versatility without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple retaining apertures enable the same head structure to serve multiple functions: it can secure the strap in different positions, accommodate different strap configurations, and provide both semi-permanent and reusable strapping options. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability while maintaining relatively simple head structure
2Ease of operation
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to soiling or wear
Solution Approach 1:
The ridges on the strap serve a dual function: they provide structural reinforcement and simultaneously engage with the retaining aperture to provide the fastening function. The ridges are shaped to automatically engage with the aperture walls when the strap is inserted, eliminating the need for separate hook-and-loop fasteners while maintaining ease of operation and improving reliability through a more durable mechanical engagement
3Reliability
If button-and-keyhole fasteners are used, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to long distances between adjacent keyholes
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining aperture is segmented into multiple discrete engagement points (first retaining aperture and second retaining aperture) positioned close to each other on the head. This segmentation allows the strap to be quickly adjusted between different configurations by simply moving through adjacent apertures, providing both reliability through secure engagement and ease of operation through minimal adjustment distance
4Strength
If non-bendable ridges are used, then the strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ridges are designed with specific geometric parameters - their height, width, and spacing are optimized to provide structural reinforcement and engagement capability. By carefully controlling these parameters, the ridges achieve the required holding strength while remaining compatible with standard thermoplastic elastomer molding processes, balancing strength requirements with manufacturing ease
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated tie strap comprising a head having a plurality of similarly dimensioned through-holes, a body having a plurality of axially oriented ridges on opposite lateral surfaces, and a tail having a thickness less than that of the body. The cross-sectional dimensions of the body are substantially equal to the cross-sectional dimensions of the through-holes, and the distance between adjacent ridges is substantially equal to the through-hole depth, such that the body may couple to the head when inserted through one or more through-holes.