Self-Locking Tie Elastomer Overmolding for Secure Cinching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-locking ties have sharp corners that can damage objects they secure, lack friction, and can cause injuries when used as restraints, leading to liability issues and incomplete cinching due to their hard and inflexible nature.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking tie with a strap, locking head, and elastomeric features, including cavities and protruding portions, is designed to securely encompass objects with minimal damage, featuring a multi-stage molding process that incorporates anchors and ejectors to secure the strap within the mold and ensure proper alignment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional self-locking ties with smooth sides and sharp corners are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sharp corners can cut into, scratch, or damage the objects they secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding elastomeric features only at specific contact points where the tie interacts with the secured object, rather than making the entire tie structure complex. The elastomeric coating or protrusions are localized to the surfaces that contact the object, providing protection where needed while maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the tie structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a rigid tie body (typically plastic or polymer) with elastomeric material (rubber or elastic coating). This composite structure allows the rigid portion to maintain structural integrity and locking function, while the elastomeric portion provides cushioning and protection against damage to secured objects.
2Reliability
If conventional hard and inflexible self-locking ties are used, then the structure is simple, but they offer little friction and cannot securely grip objects
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric features are applied locally at contact surfaces where friction is needed, rather than making the entire tie flexible. This localized application provides enhanced grip and friction where the tie contacts the secured object, while the rest of the tie maintains its rigid structure for effective locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties parameter by adding elastomeric material with different friction characteristics. The elastomeric portion has higher coefficient of friction compared to the rigid tie body, creating secure grip through increased friction at contact points without requiring structural complexity throughout the entire tie.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional self-locking ties with sharp edges are used for physical restraint, then the structure is simple, but they can injure the restrained individual
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric features serve as beforehand cushioning by providing a soft, protective layer between the sharp edges of the conventional tie and the skin of the restrained individual. This cushioning effect prevents injury while maintaining the simple underlying tie structure, requiring only additive manufacturing steps rather than complete structural redesign.
4Reliability
If conventional self-locking ties are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but they can wiggle, slide, or move around objects due to lack of friction
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric features are applied locally at the contact surfaces between the tie and secured object, providing friction and grip enhancement only where needed for position stability. This localized approach prevents wiggling and sliding without requiring complex manufacturing processes for the entire tie structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The elastomeric features provide increased friction for secure object holding, reduce the risk of damage, and prevent injuries, while the multi-stage molding process ensures precise alignment and secure attachment, enhancing the tie's durability and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the hard and inflexible nature of conventional self-locking ties offers little or no friction between the self-locking ties and the objects they encompass
Implementation Method 2
A self-locking tie with a strap, locking head, and elastomeric features
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method that relate to a self-locking tie with one or more elastomeric features are disclosed. A strap of the self-locking tie includes one or more features that physically anchor the strap to a base of a mold during a multi-stage molding process. These features may include one or more recesses. Side walls of the one or more recesses may be sloped, as defined by anchors with undercut regions that physically engage material of the strap to prevent movement of the strap within a mold cavity of the base as the strap cools and as the strap is exposed between its formation and formation of one or more elastomeric features thereon.