Ski Pole Wrist Strap Rocker Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick/clothing item assemblies for skiing and similar activities lack reliable and automatic locking mechanisms, leading to uncertainty in attachment and ease of use, with potential for malfunction due to wear and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A stick/clothing item assembly featuring a handle with a rocker mechanism that automatically returns to a stable locking position, allowing for one-handed operation and reduced effort in securing and releasing the clothing item, with a return device directing force to facilitate easy separation when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking mechanism is used, then the device can be detached when needed, but the locking is not automatic and requires user manipulation that may not be certain to lock properly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is designed to automatically lock itself when inserted into the recess of the tab. The geometry of the fastening element and recess ensures that upon insertion, the fastening element engages with the retaining lug and the tab pivots to the locked position without requiring additional user action. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation to achieve proper locking, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a return mechanism is added to automatically return the tab to locked position, then locking reliability improves, but device complexity increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex return mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of adding a mechanical return device, the design relies on the inherent geometry of the fastening element and tab interaction. When the fastening element is inserted, it naturally guides the tab to the locked position through its shape and the configuration of the recess, eliminating the need for springs, levers, or other return mechanism components.
3Volume of moving object
If small locking components are used to meet space constraints, then the device fits better, but the risk of malfunction due to wear and environmental conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the tab with its recess, the retaining lug, and the fastening element. Each component is optimized for its specific function, allowing for adequate size and material selection in each segment without increasing overall handle volume excessively. The tab and retaining lug form a robust locking interface, while the fastening element provides a simple engagement feature, distributing the functional requirements across separate components.
4Device complexity
If the same effort is required to remove the wrist strap normally and to release it when the pole jams, then the mechanism is simple, but the effort required may be excessive or may trigger unexpectedly at slight blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism provides different detachment characteristics for normal operation versus jammed pole conditions. During normal use, the fastening element is securely locked by the tab engaging the retaining lug, requiring deliberate user action to detach. However, when the pole jams and excessive force is applied, the geometric relationship between the fastening element and the tab's recess allows for automatic release, as the force vector changes cause the fastening element to disengage from the locked position.
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 assembly ensures automatic locking of the clothing item, reduces the risk of malfunction, and allows for intuitive and ergonomic operation, enhancing reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a return mechanism in the form of a spring configured to exert a restoring force on the lever
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a stick/clothing item assembly (1) comprising: - a stick (11) equipped with a handle (2) and - a clothing item (12) intended to cover at least part of a user's hand. The clothing item is equipped with a fastening element (123) for the handle, which includes a body (20), a retaining element (210) adapted to cooperate with the fastening element to secure the fastening element to the retaining element in at least one direction, and a rocker (22) comprising a housing (220) configured to house at least part of the fastening element (123) of the clothing item.The rocker arm is mounted to move relative to the body between: - a locked position in which the rocker arm positions the fastening element in an engagement configuration with the retaining element, and - an unlocked position in which the rocker arm positions the fastening element in a release configuration from the retaining element. The handle further includes a return device (23) configured to tend to return the rocker arm to its locked position.