Rotatable Leash Connector Assembly to Prevent Twisting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection arrangements for attaching objects to lines, such as surfboard leashes, are complicated and prone to twisting, leading to material strain and handling difficulties with frequent use.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement featuring a first fastening part with a hole for a rotatable connecting element and a second fastening part with a receiving area for a knot, allowing relative movement and preventing twisting, using a flexible connecting element like a rope or cable, with design features like cylindrical sections and Velcro for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a known connection arrangement is used, then the object can be connected to the line, but the construction is relatively complicated and the arrangement twists repeatedly during frequent use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection arrangement is divided into separate functional components: a first fastening part with a bore for the connecting element, and a second fastening part with a receiving area for the knot. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces rotational freedom into the connection arrangement by allowing the connecting element to rotate within the bore of the first fastening part and the knot to rotate within the receiving area of the second fastening part. This dynamic capability prevents twisting accumulation during frequent use, eliminating the complication issue while preserving connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the two fastening parts are connected via a flexible connecting element, then the parts can be spaced apart and movable, but the connecting element twists and becomes distorted with frequent rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovability of fastening partsVSAvoidconnecting element functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements rotational freedom at both connection points: the connecting element rotates within the bore of the first fastening part, and the knot rotates within the receiving area of the second fastening part. This dynamic design allows the fastening parts to move and rotate freely without causing the connecting element to twist or distort, maintaining both movability and functional reliability during frequent use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the connecting element is held rotatably in the bore, then rotation is allowed, but the connecting element may become loose or detach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation of connecting elementVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural characteristics to different locations of the first fastening part: the bore provides rotational freedom for the connecting element, while the plate-shaped widened longitudinal end provides a secure attachment surface for the fastening sleeve. This local differentiation allows rotation where needed while maintaining connection security where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional bore (allowing rotation) to a two-dimensional plate-shaped widened end (providing secure attachment surface). This dimensional change enables the connecting element to rotate freely within the bore while the plate-shaped end prevents detachment by providing a broad attachment area for the fastening sleeve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If the first fastening part has a plate-shaped widened longitudinal end, then attachment to the object is easier, but the part becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidfastening part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first fastening part is segmented into distinct functional zones: the bore for rotational connection of the connecting element, and the plate-shaped widened longitudinal end for secure attachment to the object. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, making attachment easier while keeping the overall structure manageable through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4428029A1A connector assembly
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 UNLCKED UG HAFTUNGSBESCHRANKT
  • EP4428029A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4428029A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4428029A1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting arrangement (10, 10a) for connecting an object to a leash (18), comprising a first fastening part (12) for fastening to the object and a second fastening part (16; 50) for fastening the leash (18), which are connected to the first fastening part (12) via a flexible connecting element (20) so as to be movable relative to one another. The first fastening part (12) has a bore (26) through which the connecting element (20) passes, and the connecting element (20) is rotatably held in the bore (26). The second fastening part (16; 50) has a receiving area (36; 60) with a perforation (42; 61) leading into the receiving area for the leash (18). This receiving area is dimensioned such that it can accommodate a knot (62) of the leash (18) and allows rotation of the knot (62).