Stretch Cord Connector With Cleat Locking and Free-End Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable-length stretch cord systems often fail to securely hold the cord in place, leading to management challenges and potential interference from the free end of the cord, while also being overly complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a primary path for the stretch cord to extend through, a secondary path with teeth to block sliding, and a cleat that compresses the cord to resist sliding, along with a grip to hold the cord securely, ensuring effective length adjustment and secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cleat or toothed cam structure is used to enable cord length adjustment, then the effective length of the cord can be adjusted, but the cord is not held securely and the design becomes overly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate paths: a primary path for cord insertion and adjustment, and a secondary path for secure retention. The cleat structure is segmented with a narrowed portion that creates a mechanical interlock with the cord, preventing slippage while allowing adjustment in the primary path.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat acts as an intermediary element between the primary and secondary paths. It receives the cord from the primary path, compresses it through the narrowed portion, and directs it into the secondary path where teeth provide additional retention, thus mediating the transition from adjustable to secured state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cleat or toothed cam structure is used to enable cord length adjustment, then the effective length of the cord can be adjusted, but the design becomes overly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the primary path allows adjustment, the cleat provides compression and direction change, and the secondary path with teeth ensures retention. This unified design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and retention devices, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body serves multiple purposes: it guides the cord through the primary path, houses the cleat for compression and direction change, and provides the secondary path with teeth for retention. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If the cord is allowed to extend through the connector, then length adjustment is possible, but the free end of the cord presents management challenges and can get in the way
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the cord free end to extend outward causing interference, the design inverts the approach by directing the cord through a 180° turn in the cleat and into a secondary path with retention teeth. This reverses the cord direction and secures the free end within the connector body, eliminating external interference while maintaining adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful free end extension is extracted from the primary path and redirected into the secondary path. By separating the adjustment function (primary path) from the retention function (secondary path), the design removes the problematic free end interference while preserving the beneficial length adjustment capability.
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 connector system provides secure and adjustable length settings for stretch cords, minimizing interference from the free end and reducing complexity and cost, while ensuring effective load-bearing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The stretch cord is configured to elastically deform upon application of force to the stretch cord
Implementation Method 2
The cleat receives and compresses the cord so as to resist sliding of the cord relative to the connector
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable-length stretch cord system has a connector and a stretch cord. The position of the connector along the stretch cord can be adjusted so as to adjust the effective length of the stretch cord. The connector has a primary path through which the stretch cord can slide during adjustment. A secondary path is also defined within the connector and parallel to the primary path. A cleat between the primary path and secondary path receives and compresses the cord as the cord turns about 180° in the cleat. The secondary path can have teeth that can engage and block sliding of the cord toward the cleat. The secondary path can also have grip that holds the cord.