Stake Cord Lock Using Slot Geometry for Knot-Free Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cord locking devices, such as tent stakes, often require knots, clasps, or cleats, which can be difficult to use, especially for those with limited dexterity or in urgent situations, and may fail or break, leading to unexpected release of tension.
Innovation Solution
A cord locking apparatus with an anchoring portion and a cord lock portion that includes a channel and a lock slot, allowing for secure tensioning of a cord without knots or additional mechanisms, using a combination of friction and pressure to hold the cord in place, with an elongated tapered body for ground anchoring and optional multiple channels for multiple cord securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cord locking devices use knots, clasps, or cleats, then cord tension can be maintained, but the device becomes difficult to use for users with limited dexterity or in urgent situations
Solution Approach 1:
The cord locking apparatus is designed to be self-securing through the interaction between the cord and the lock slot geometry. The cord itself, when pulled through the channel and positioned in the lock slot, creates the locking action without requiring external mechanisms or complex user manipulation. The friction and pressure between the cord and slot walls automatically maintain tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes complex locking mechanisms such as knots, clasps, and cleats from the cord locking system. By extracting these additional components and relying solely on the geometric interaction between the cord and the lock slot, the device achieves both ease of operation and reliability without unnecessary complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional cord locking devices use additional mechanisms like clasps or cleats, then cord tension can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates additional locking mechanisms such as clasps, cleats, and complex fastening systems. The cord locking function is achieved through the simple geometric interaction between the cord and the lock slot, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of cord guidance and cord locking into a single integrated structure. The channel directs the cord while the lock slot simultaneously secures it, eliminating the need for separate guiding and locking components that would increase device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cord locking devices use knots or clasps, then cord can be secured, but the risk of failure or unexpected release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simple, robust lock slot structure that can be manufactured economically and provides reliable single-use or limited-use cord securing. The lock slot geometry is designed to maintain cord tension reliably throughout its service life without complex moving parts that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord locking apparatus uses the cord's own tension and the friction between the cord and lock slot surfaces to maintain securing reliability. This self-service mechanism eliminates reliance on additional mechanisms that could fail, reducing the risk of unexpected cord release while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables quick and secure cord locking without the need for knots or additional mechanisms, providing reliable tension maintenance and easy release, suitable for various surfaces and environments.
Implementation Method 1
using a combination of friction and pressure to hold the cord in place
Data Source
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AI summary
A cord locking apparatus is described that includes an anchoring portion operative to be secured to a surface; and a cord lock portion having: a bottom coupled to the anchoring portion, and a top, a front, a first side, a second side, and a central axis defined between the top and the bottom; a channel extending from the front to one of the first side or second side along the bottom in a channel orientation direction, the channel operative to receive a cord therethrough; and a lock slot on the front side comprising a channel end at a bottom of the slot and a lock end at the top of the slot, and operative to receive and hold the cord in a tension lock direction at an angle to the channel orientation direction.