Thermoplastic Elastomer Securing Device with Self-Gripping Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing devices face challenges such as difficulty in finding the right size and strength, complex installation, and damage during removal, making them inconvenient, inflexible, and not reusable.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with a body made from thermoplastic elastomers, exhibiting specific tensile strength, elongation, and friction characteristics, allowing for easy installation and removal without the need for knots, hooks, or adhesives, and being reusable and recyclable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing securing devices (ropes, cables, chains) are used, then securing function is achieved, but difficulty in finding proper size and strength, complex installation, and damage during removal occur
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible body portion and end portions with gripping features. This segmentation allows the device to be installed by simply wrapping and gripping, eliminating complex knot-tying or assembly procedures while maintaining effective securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The end portions of the device are designed with self-gripping features that automatically secure the flexible body when wrapped around objects. The device serves itself by using its own structure to create the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for external tools, knots, or complex installation procedures.
2Ease of operation
If traditional securing devices are removed after use, then objects are released, but the securing device becomes damaged and is not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with preliminary action features where the end portions are pre-configured to grip the flexible body in a reversible manner. This allows the device to be removed cleanly without damage by simply releasing the grip, enabling repeated use without degradation of the securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device is designed to be recovered intact after use. The flexible body and end portions are constructed to separate cleanly during removal, with no permanent deformation or damage, allowing the device to be discarded from the securing application and recovered for reuse.
3Strength
If securing devices are designed for specific sizes and strengths, then they secure objects effectively, but users need many different devices for various situations
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is designed with universal applicability through its flexible body and adjustable end portions. The flexible body can be wrapped around objects of various sizes and shapes, while the end portions provide consistent gripping force. This multi-functional design allows a single device type to secure diverse objects effectively, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the flexible body material properties to adapt to different securing scenarios. By controlling the tensile strength, elongation, and friction characteristics of the flexible body, the device can effectively secure objects of varying sizes and weights while maintaining the same basic design, providing versatility without requiring multiple device variants.
4Strength
If high tensile strength materials are used, then securing strength is improved, but the device becomes less flexible and harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device employs composite material characteristics by combining a flexible body made from elastomeric materials with end portions that may have different properties. This composite approach allows the flexible body to exhibit both high tensile strength and high elongation (600-800%), providing the necessary strength for securing while maintaining the flexibility needed for easy installation and wrapping around various objects.
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 device provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for securing objects of various sizes and shapes, ensuring easy and secure installation and removal, while maintaining strength and elasticity, and being easily reusable and recyclable.
Implementation Method 1
the device body is formed from a material including thermoplastic elastomers so that the device body exhibits elongation of greater than six hundred percent and less than eight hundred percent
Implementation Method 2
The material that forms the device body has an average coefficient of static friction of greater than 0.75 and less than 1.75 relative to itself
Data Source
AI summary
A securing device (10) for securing a first object (320) relative to a second object (322), the securing device (10) being configured to frictionally maintain its position relative to the objects and to itself, includes a device body (12) having a first end (12A), an opposed second end (12B), and a cross-sectional area. The device body (12) is formed from a material so that the device body (12) exhibits tensile strength of greater than four thousand five hundred kPa and less than nine thousand three hundred kPa. The material that forms the device body (12) has an average coefficient of static friction of greater than 0.75 and less than 1.75 relative to itself. A ratio of the tensile strength (in kPa) to the cross-sectional area (in square millimeters) is greater than 40:1 and less than 100:1. The material that forms the device body (12) can include thermoplastic elastomers, and can further include styrene.