Multi-Layered Strap Fastening Mechanism for Child-Proof Clothing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Young children, especially infants and babies, often remove articles of clothing and footwear due to their increasing motor skills, leading to loss and potential choking hazards, with existing solutions being either ineffective or uncomfortable.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered strap fastening mechanism that couples articles of clothing or footwear together, preventing removal by young children while being easily manipulated by adults, featuring connectors and channels that secure the items in a way that prevents separation and choking hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-layered strap fastening mechanism is used to prevent removal of clothing by children, then security against removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer strap layer with buckle for securement, a middle layer with channels for routing, and an inner article layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while collectively providing robust prevention against removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second strap within the channel formed by the first strap, and the third strap within the channel formed by the second strap. This nested configuration allows multiple fastening mechanisms to be integrated in a compact arrangement, providing enhanced security without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a secure fastening mechanism is implemented to prevent removal, then security against removal is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow easy engagement and disengagement by adults. The strap system uses flexible materials and movable components within channels that enable quick adjustment and removal when needed, while maintaining secure fastening during normal use.
3Reliability
If connectors and channels are used to secure items together, then security against removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple straps and connectors into an integrated system where the first strap forms a channel, the second strap provides additional fastening, and the third strap secures the article. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high security against removal.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a unitary construction is used to prevent separation of parts, then safety against choking hazards is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates preliminary action by creating a unitary construction where all components are permanently attached before use. The straps and connectors are configured and secured in advance during manufacturing, ensuring that no small parts can separate and become choking hazards. This preliminary securing of all components eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A loss prevention mechanism may be attached to an article of clothing to prevent the removal of the article and/or at least one covering worn by the child. The covering(s) may be any number of type of covering including socks, shoes, gloves, mittens, hats, and the like. The coupling mechanism is easy to operate yet requires a combination of skills not often exhibited by young children. Further, the components are all interconnected thereby preventing separation of and choking on any of the components.