String End Cover Geometry for Gloved Grip and Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing string end covers lack a design that facilitates easy gripping, particularly when wearing gloves or experiencing reduced grip strength, limiting the ability to apply sufficient pulling force on the string.
Innovation Solution
The string end cover features a finger-hooking projecting portion with a first finger-hooking face and a base portion with a second finger-hooking face, forming an acute angle or an arc shape to enhance grip and prevent rotation, along with a lock member and case member for secure attachment and pulling force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple flat square cylindrical shape is used for the socket, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to poor gripping performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the finger-hooking projecting portion and base portion with curved surfaces that facilitate finger hooking. The first and second finger-hooking faces are formed along arcs of imaginary circles, creating a curved geometry that enhances grip effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by creating a multi-faceted structure with projecting portions extending from the base portion. The first finger-hooking face and second finger-hooking face are positioned at different locations and orientations, adding spatial dimensionality to improve gripping capability beyond a simple cylindrical form.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the socket has a simple cylindrical shape, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the stability deteriorates due to rotation during pulling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning the second finger-hooking face at a specific location on the base portion that creates an asymmetric configuration relative to the first finger-hooking face. This asymmetric arrangement generates rotational resistance during pulling operations, improving stability without requiring high-precision manufacturing of symmetric features.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surfaces of the finger-hooking faces work together to create a stable gripping geometry that resists rotation. The arc-shaped configuration of the first and second finger-hooking faces provides natural rotational stability through their geometric arrangement, reducing dependence on precise manufacturing tolerances.
3Ease of operation
If the finger-hooking faces are formed along arcs of an imaginary circle, then the ease of operation is improved for gloved hands, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifically forms both the first finger-hooking face and the second finger-hooking face along arcs of imaginary circles. This curved geometry provides a larger contact area for gloved fingers, improving grip performance while the arcs follow simple circular paths that are easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The arc-shaped finger-hooking faces serve multiple functions: they provide effective gripping for both gloved and ungloved hands, resist rotation during pulling operations, and maintain structural integrity. This multi-functional design achieves improved operation ease without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An end cover to be attached to an end of a string is provided. The end cover includes a finger-hooking projecting portion having a first finger-hooking face, and a base portion having a second finger-hooking face, and the second finger-hooking face is provided at a position to suppress a rotation of the end cover as a support point of the first finger-hooking face when a pulling force acts on the string using the first finger-hooking face.