Portable Security Tether with Switchable Loop and Compact Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security devices for securing ski equipment and other items to stationary objects are either heavy, expensive, or not readily available at all locations, making them inconvenient and inaccessible to many users.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight portable security tether with a flexible substrate, a switchable first loop, and a fixed second loop, equipped with a lock, allowing for easy attachment to anchor objects and providing instructions for secure fastening, which can be formed from materials like woven nylon or Kevlar and using various locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If padlocked chains are used to secure ski equipment, then security is improved, but weight and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from a heavy traditional chain and relocates it to a compact USB-style device that can be carried in a pocket. The tether itself is made lightweight using flexible materials like nylon or Kevlar, while the locking function is separated into a small electronic or mechanical device with a keypad or combination mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical padlock and heavy chain system with an alternative locking mechanism that uses either electronic keypads with combination codes or mechanical tumblers in a compact device. This substitution dramatically reduces weight while maintaining security functionality.
2Reliability
If padlocked chains are used to secure ski equipment, then security is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive flexible tether materials such as nylon webbing or Kevlar cord that can be manufactured at low cost. The locking device uses affordable components like standard keypads, combination mechanisms, or simple mechanical locks, making the overall system more cost-effective than traditional heavy-duty padlocked chains.
3Reliability
If locking ski racks are installed, then security is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking functionality from fixed infrastructure (ski racks with built-in locks) and relocates it to a portable device that users carry themselves. This eliminates the need for complex installed locking mechanisms at every ski rack location.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable security device enables users to independently secure their own equipment without relying on infrastructure provided by the ski resort. Users carry their own lightweight tether with integrated locking mechanism, making the system self-sufficient and independent of resort infrastructure.
4Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security system into a lightweight flexible tether portion and a compact locking device portion. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be small and easy to carry, while the tether can be quickly configured around equipment. The separated design enables faster deployment compared to handling heavy integrated padlocks and chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible dynamic materials for the tether (nylon, Kevlar) that can easily bend and conform to different equipment shapes, making the securing process more adaptable and quicker. The compact locking device with simple keypad or combination entry provides rapid locking and unlocking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel security tether includes an intermediate flexible substrate, a first loop, and a second loop. The first loop is fixed to a first end of the intermediate flexible substrate and is switchable between a closed position and an open position. The first loop further includes a lock to retain the first loop in the closed position when engaged. The second loop is a fixed, closed loop that is coupled to a second end of the intermediate flexible substrate and is configured to allow the first loop to pass therethrough to create a secondary loop to encircle an anchor object. The first loop can be closed around an object to be secured, thereby securing the object to be secured to the anchor object when the lock is engaged. The security tether is conveniently portable and particularly useful for securing skis to an anchor object.