Shoulder Strap Fixing Assembly with Threaded Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing shoulder straps to cases and trunks, such as using spring clips or adhesive bonding, are unreliable for professional and technical applications where accidental separation of the strap from the case can occur due to breakage or seam failure, necessitating frequent checks for reliability.

Innovation Solution

An assembly featuring receptacles with female threads and screws for detachable retention of the shoulder strap ends, allowing for easy installation and verification of the strap's solidity, with components like screws and eyelets ensuring secure engagement and quick replacement of parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If spring clips or adhesive bonding are used to fix the shoulder strap, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the reliability and strength of the fixing are insufficient for professional applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of shoulder strap fixingVSAvoidcomplexity of fixing assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing assembly is divided into separate functional components: a receptacle integrated into the case, a retention element with female thread, and a screw with head. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability. The receptacle provides structural integration, the retention element provides threaded engagement, and the screw provides adjustable fastening with visual verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle is pre-formed with a through-hole and integrated female thread during case manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-manufacturing drilling or threading operations, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring precise alignment and reliable thread engagement for the retention element and screw.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If low-cost techniques like stitches or adhesive bonding are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength and durability of the fixing are compromised under critical loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of shoulder strap attachmentVSAvoidease of manufacturing the fixing assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces weak mechanical connections (stitches, adhesive bonding) with a robust threaded mechanical fastening system. The female thread in the retention element engages with the screw, creating a high-strength connection capable of withstanding critical loads. This mechanical substitution maintains ease of manufacture through standardized threading and simple assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural mounting, houses the female thread for engagement, and includes the through-hole for screw insertion. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining high attachment strength through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If rigid fixing methods are used to ensure reliability, then the reliability of the shoulder strap attachment is improved, but the ease of operation for checking and replacing parts is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of shoulder strap fixingVSAvoidease of checking and replacing strap parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system transitions from a static, permanent connection to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The screw can be easily inserted, removed, and reinserted, allowing the user to check the state of the fixing and replace worn parts as needed. This dynamic capability maintains reliability while significantly improving ease of operation for maintenance and inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The screw acts as an intermediary element between the receptacle and the shoulder strap. It provides a simple, tool-based interface that allows users to easily assemble and disassemble the connection without complex tools or procedures. The screw's head provides a visual indicator of proper installation, facilitating quick checks of fixing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If through holes are provided in the case for screw insertion, then the ease of operation for assembly and inspection is improved, but the structural integrity of the case may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembling and inspecting the strapVSAvoidstructural integrity of the case
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The through-hole is pre-formed in the receptacle during case manufacturing, ensuring proper positioning, size, and structural reinforcement around the opening. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field drilling that could compromise case integrity, while still providing easy access for screw insertion and visual inspection of the fixing assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 provides maximum reliability and ease of use by ensuring the shoulder strap remains securely attached, allowing for regular checks and simple replacement of worn parts, enhancing safety and usability in critical applications.

Implementation Method 1

said receptacle being affected laterally by at least one through hole for the insertion of a respective screw, which is suitable to engage detachably in said female thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

its head being in turn engaged in at least one eyelet provided in said end of the shoulder strap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS7540363B2Assembly for fixing a shoulder strap to containers
Publication Date: 2009.06.02 G T LINE
  • US7540363B2 patent drawing
  • US7540363B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly for fixing a shoulder strap to containers, such as cases, trunks and the like, comprising, for each one of the ends of the shoulder strap, a respective receptacle, which is provided at the outer surface of the case and is adapted to accommodate at least one element for detachable retention of the end which is provided with at least one female thread, the receptacle comprising laterally at least one through hole for insertion of a respective screw, which is adapted to engage detachably in the female thread, its head being engaged in at least one eyelet provided in the end of the shoulder strap.