Tool-Free Slide Lock for Textile Ribbon Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide locks for joining textile ribbon ends are either cumbersome due to the need for tools and complex assembly or have too many active parts that can be lost during transportation and storage, making them inconvenient for use.
Innovation Solution
A compact slide lock design featuring an external sleeve with a locking part having tips and stops, allowing the ribbon ends to be drawn through and fixed without preassembly, using fewer active parts and eliminating the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple metallic sleeve lock is used, then the structure is simple, but a tool is required to lock and fix the position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed to be self-locking through its interaction with the stops and locking portions. When the locking part is inserted into the external sleeve, the stops and locking portions automatically engage to secure the locking part in place without requiring any additional tools or manual manipulation. The structure itself performs the locking function that previously required external tools.
2Reliability
If a push-in part with two semi-cylindrical elements is used, then the locking mechanism is improved, but there are too many active parts that may be lost during transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part integrates multiple functional elements into a single unified component. The locking part combines the functions of the previous two semi-cylindrical push-in part elements, the ribbon piercing tips, and the engagement features into one continuous piece. This merging eliminates the risk of losing separate parts during transportation and storage while maintaining the reliable locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part is designed as a single segmented piece with continuous material flow, eliminating discrete separable components. The single-piece construction ensures that no individual parts can be lost during handling, while the internal geometry maintains the necessary locking functionality through the interaction with the external sleeve's stops and locking portions.
3Reliability
If a push-in part with multiple elements is used, then the locking function is enhanced, but there are too many assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is pre-formed as a complete single-piece component with all necessary locking features already integrated. The tips, engagement portions, and structural elements are all prepared in advance during manufacturing, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps. The user simply needs to insert the pre-assembled locking part into the external sleeve, which then automatically engages with the stops and locking portions.
4Strength
If a locking part with hooks is used, then the locking part will not break when being slid, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hooks are integrated directly into the locking part as continuous features formed from the same material. The locking part combines the hook elements with the tip structures and engagement portions into a single unified component. This merging provides the necessary strength and durability to prevent breaking during sliding operations while avoiding the complexity of assembling separate hook components.
Data Source
AI summary
A slide lock for joining two ends of a textile ribbon, including an external sleeve having a cavity; and a locking part having at least one tip and mounted in the cavity of the external sleeve; wherein the external sleeve has an opening with stops for the locking part and an opening allowing the insertion of the locking part, locking portions for cooperating with the stops to retain the locking part in the cavity are further provided in the external sleeve.