Resilient Skirt Clip Locking Structure for Secure Fabric Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment clips for hanging skirts on clothes hangers are either complex, difficult to use, or fail to securely grip all types of fabrics, and are cumbersome to release.
Innovation Solution
A single-part, injection-molded plastic clip with pivotally connected gripping and locking portions, featuring gripping surfaces and limiting members, and protrusions for enhanced grip, along with a locking mechanism that facilitates easy release and secure attachment to hangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used, then the clip can securely grip garments, but the device becomes more difficult to manipulate and release
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the clip body as a unified structure. The locking protrusion is formed as part of the resilient body, and the locking cavity is formed in the opposing part, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging maintains secure gripping through the interlocking protrusion-cavity mechanism while simplifying operation to a single squeezing motion that simultaneously activates both gripping and locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient plastic body automatically performs the locking action when squeezed. The deformation of the resilient material during compression causes the locking protrusion to engage with the locking cavity without requiring additional manual intervention. The spring-like resilience provides automatic engagement and maintains the locked state, making the system self-activating and easy to operate.
2Reliability
If a vertical piece is inserted between garment layers to activate the locking mechanism, then the clip can lock, but the operation becomes more awkward and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex insertion operation is eliminated by extracting the locking activation from a separate vertical piece insertion action. Instead, the locking mechanism is activated directly by the squeezing motion that closes the gripping members. The locking protrusion and cavity are positioned so that their engagement is a natural consequence of the gripping action, removing the need for separate manipulation steps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If smooth inside surfaces are used on pinching pieces, then the garment is not damaged, but the grip on certain fabrics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surfaces have localized texture patterns applied only to the contact areas where the gripping members meet the garment. These textured regions provide enhanced friction and grip on various fabric types, while the rest of the clip surfaces remain smooth to prevent damage. The textured gripping zones are strategically positioned to maximize contact with the garment without concentrating stress on small points.
4Reliability
If a locking piece is designed to be difficult to release, then the garment remains securely held, but the clip becomes cumbersome to open and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states through the resilient nature of the plastic body. When squeezing force is applied, the resilient material deforms, causing the locking protrusion to disengage from the locking cavity. This dynamic response allows the clip to maintain a secure locked state during normal use while easily transitioning to an open state when force is applied, enabling quick release and reuse.
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 clip provides a simple, secure, and versatile solution for hanging garments of all fabrics, ensuring easy manipulation and long-lasting performance while being cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The clip is formed of resilient plastic material and includes first and second parts pivotally connected by a connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
The clip is formed of resilient plastic material and includes first and second parts pivotally connected by a connecting member. Each of the parts includes a gripping portion and a locking portion. Each of the gripping portions includes first and second connected portions, at least one of which has a gripping surface. A locking part is pivotally mounted to one of the locking portions for movement relative to the other locking portion between locked and unlocked positions. The locking part is adapted to engage the other of the locking portions in the locking position. Movement of the locking part toward the locked position causes the gripping surfaces to move toward each other to retain the article therebetween.