Load-Activated Tether Clip Clamping for Slippery Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tether clips face limitations such as permanent deformation when clipped to 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 upper and lower clamping members pivotally connected with a biasing member, which uses pressure to open and close around an anchor structure, and under tensile load, applies a torsional force to enhance clamping strength, incorporating features like angled protrusions for increased friction and a choking effect to secure the anchor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tether clips are used to provide strong clamping force, then the clamping strength is improved, but the clips permanently deform when clipped to thicker anchor members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. The polymer material provides sufficient clamping strength through its elastic properties and ability to deform reversibly, preventing permanent deformation while maintaining reliable attachment to anchor members of various thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a polymer composite material that combines the necessary mechanical properties for clamping strength with the flexibility to adapt to different anchor member thicknesses without permanent deformation. The composite structure allows the clip to maintain its functional integrity across varying load conditions and anchor geometries.
2Strength
If metal clips are used to ensure durability, then the structural strength is improved, but they cannot be used in nuclear environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from metal to polymer, which eliminates radioactivity concerns and enables use in nuclear environments. The polymer material maintains sufficient structural strength for tether clip applications while being compatible with radiological environments where metal clips are prohibited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a polymer-based clip that can be manufactured more economically and replaced if necessary, providing a practical solution for nuclear environments where specialized metal clips are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive. The polymer material offers adequate service life for the intended application.
3Device complexity
If traditional clips are used on slippery anchor members, then the simplicity of design is maintained, but insufficient friction causes the clips to slip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding textured surfaces and gripping features specifically at the contact points with the anchor member. These localized modifications increase friction and prevent slipping on slippery surfaces without requiring a complete redesign of the entire clip structure, thus maintaining overall design simplicity while improving reliability.
4Strength
If the clamping force is increased to secure heavier items, then the holding capacity is improved, but the risk of deforming the anchor member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to polymer, which provides a more compliant clamping interface. The polymer can deform elastically to distribute clamping forces more evenly across the anchor member surface, increasing holding capacity for heavier items while reducing the risk of localized deformation or damage to the anchor member.
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, capable of securing heavier items and functioning on various anchor materials, including slippery surfaces, while being suitable for use in environments where metal clips are not viable.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, such as a spring, that exerts a biasing force on the upper and lower clamping members to position the tether clip in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
incorporating features like angled protrusions for increased friction
Data Source
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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.