Rotating Cord Stopper Structure Without Moving Parts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cord stoppers with moving parts are prone to reliability issues, especially in high-frequency applications and outdoor environments, and their complex multicomponent construction makes mass manufacture costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A cord stopper design that uses a single-piece body with a channel having two selectable paths, where rotation secures or releases the stopper by engaging or disengaging the cord, eliminating the need for moving parts and allowing for simple and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cord stoppers use moving parts (sprung loaded plunger, button mechanism) to secure and release the cord, then the cord stopper can be reliably secured and released, but the device becomes susceptible to reliability problems and is unsuitable for high-frequency use and outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all moving parts (plunger, spring, button mechanism) from the cord stopper design. Instead, it uses a fixed body with a channel that has two defined paths: a first path with engagement portions that secure the cord, and a second path without engagement portions that allows free movement. The cord is routed through different paths to achieve secured or movable states, eliminating mechanical moving parts entirely while maintaining the secure/release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Conventional cord stoppers use moving parts to transition between secured and movable states. This patent inverts the approach by using a fixed structure where the cord itself moves between two defined paths within the channel. The first path engages the cord to secure it, while the second path allows free movement, achieving the same functional transition without any moving components in the stopper body.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cord stoppers use multicomponent construction (body, plunger, spring, button) to achieve securement and release functions, then the cord stopper can be reliably operated, but the mass manufacture becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (body, channel, engagement portions, cord paths) into a single integrated structure. The body contains the channel with both the first and second paths defined within it, and the engagement portions are formed as integral features of the channel walls. This single-piece construction eliminates the need for separate plunger, spring, and button components, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the secure/release operation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the cord through two different paths, provides engagement portions for securing the cord, allows free movement when using the second path, and eliminates the need for separate moving parts. This multi-functional design achieves ease of operation with a simple, manufacturable structure.
3Strength
If conventional cord stoppers use sprung loaded plunger and button mechanism to secure and release the cord, then the cord can be firmly held, but the device requires frequent maintenance and is unsuitable for outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring mechanism and button from the design, eliminating components that are susceptible to environmental degradation (rust, corrosion, dirt accumulation). The engagement portions are formed as fixed structural features of the channel, providing cord holding strength without any moving parts that could fail in outdoor conditions or require maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, robust structure with no complex mechanical parts that can wear out or fail. The engagement portions are integral to the channel structure, providing reliable cord holding through geometric interlocking rather than mechanical force from springs. This design is inherently resistant to environmental factors and requires no maintenance throughout its service life.
Data Source
AI summary
A cord stopper for moving along a length of cord and releasably engaging the cord includes a body delimiting a channel for passing the cord through the body. The channel defines a first path and a second path for the cord, with the paths being selectable by rotating the body relative to the cord. A cord engagement portion provided along the first path is configured to engage the cord such that movement of the cord stopper along the cord is restricted when the first path is selected. A cord passing portion in the channel is configured to permit the cord stopper to move along the length of the cord when the second path is selected. Further provided are a cord stopper assembly including the cord stopper and the cord, and methods. Methods of using and manufacturing the cord stopper.