Tether Clip Clamping Mechanism for Slippery and Thick Anchors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tether clips face limitations such as permanent deformation when clipping thicker anchor members, insufficient friction on slippery materials, and incompatibility with nuclear environments, particularly those made of metal.
Innovation Solution
A tether clip design featuring an upper and lower clamping member pivotally connected with a biasing member, utilizing pressure-activated contact areas to secure anchor structures and employing a torsional load mechanism under tensile lanyard tension for enhanced gripping, along with friction-enhancing surfaces to prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tether clips are used to increase strength and durability, then the clip can hold heavier items, but the clip permanently deforms when clipped to thicker anchor members and cannot be used in nuclear environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. The polymer material exhibits elastic deformation behavior instead of plastic deformation, allowing the clip to return to its original shape after loading, thus eliminating permanent deformation while maintaining adequate clamping strength for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a polymer composite material that combines the necessary mechanical properties for clamping functionality with resistance to permanent deformation. The composite structure provides both the strength needed for holding items and the elasticity required to avoid permanent set when engaged with anchor members of varying thicknesses
2Force
If metal tether clips are used to increase clamping force, then the grip on anchor members is stronger, but the clips slip on slippery materials such as rain jackets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameter from smooth metal to textured polymer, fundamentally altering the friction characteristics. The textured surface increases the coefficient of friction between the clip and the anchor member, providing superior grip on slippery materials like rain jackets while the polymer material itself provides compliance that allows the clip to conform to the surface irregularities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating specific surface features at the contact points between the clip and anchor member. The textured surface treatment is applied locally at the gripping surfaces to maximize friction and prevent slipping, while other portions of the clip maintain their structural integrity and clamping function
3Duration of action of stationary object
If metal tether clips are used to ensure durability, then the clip can withstand repeated use, but the clip cannot be used in nuclear environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from metal to polymer, which fundamentally alters the chemical properties and environmental compatibility. The polymer material is inherently resistant to radiation and does not activate or emit radiation in nuclear environments, making it suitable for use in such conditions while maintaining durability through its resistance to degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a polymer composite material that combines radiation resistance with mechanical durability. The composite structure provides both the long-term stability needed for repeated use and the specific radiation resistance required for nuclear environment compatibility, eliminating the restrictions associated with metal materials
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 design provides improved clamping force and durability, ensuring secure attachment across various anchor materials, including slippery surfaces and potentially hazardous environments, while maintaining functionality with heavier items.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member interconnects the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member and biases the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
some anchor members, such as slippery material used for rain jackets, do not provide enough friction to prevent clips from slipping
Data Source
AI summary
A tether clip for interconnecting an anchor structure and an accessory comprises an upper clamping member, a lower clamping member, and a biasing member. The lower clamping member is pivotally connected to the upper clamping member, and the biasing member biases the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member in a closed position. A lower lanyard receiving end and an upper lanyard receiving end are adapted to receive a lanyard connected to the accessory. When the lanyard is under a tensile load, a lateral force is exerted on the lower lanyard receiving end and the upper lanyard receiving end, which translates to a torsional load on the upper clamping end and the lower clamping end to place a stronger clamping force on the anchor structure in the closed position.