Load-Responsive Tether Clip for Higher Clamping Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tether clips often deform or lack sufficient friction, leading to an insecure connection between objects and users, which can result in objects falling during use.
Innovation Solution
A tether clip design featuring a first and second clip portion with a connector that moves relative to the clip portions when force is exerted, causing the clamping ends to move closer and increase the clamping force, enhancing the securement of objects to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional tether clip design is used, then the structure is simple, but the connection security is insufficient due to deformation and lack of friction
Solution Approach 1:
The tether clip is divided into multiple functional segments: first and second clip portions for clamping, a connector for tether attachment, intermediate portions for mechanical linkage, and a biasing member for maintaining force. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, improving connection security while keeping the overall design manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates dynamic elements including a movable connector that can shift position, cam surfaces that convert linear motion to rotational motion, and a biasing member that continuously adjusts to maintain clamping force. These dynamic features enable the clip to adapt to load changes and maintain secure connection under varying conditions
2Force
If the connector moves toward distal ends of connector ends, then the clamping force increases, but the connector ends move apart requiring greater initial opening force
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces incorporate curved geometries that convert the linear movement of the connector into rotational motion of the clip portions. This curvature allows for a more gradual and controlled increase in clamping force, distributing the required opening force over a longer distance and reducing the peak force needed by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portions act as mechanical intermediaries between the connector and the clamping ends. They transmit and transform the movement and force from the connector through cam surfaces and linkages to the clamping ends, providing mechanical advantage and force multiplication while isolating the user from the full magnitude of the clamping force required
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 effectively increases the clamping force when a force is applied to the tether, providing a more secure connection and preventing objects from falling by utilizing a combination of teeth, ramps, and a biasing member to enhance friction and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member to enhance friction and stability
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a combination of teeth, ramps, and a biasing member to enhance friction and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A tether clip comprises first and second clip portions and a connector. The first clip portion has a first intermediate portion interconnecting a first clamping end and a first connector end, and the second clip portion has a second intermediate portion interconnecting a second clamping end and a second connector end. The first and second intermediate portions are pivotally connected. The connector is positioned between the first and second connector ends and is configured and arranged to connect to a tether. When a force is exerted upon the connector, the connector moves relative to the first and second clip portions, and when the connector moves in a direction toward distal ends of the first and second connector ends, the first and second connector ends move apart and the first and second clamping ends move toward each other to increase a clamping force by the first and second clamping ends.