Towel fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towel securement devices fail to effectively retain towels on boats or other vehicles due to displacement by wind or movement, reducing user comfort and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A flexible strap system with hingedly affixed fastener plates and complementary magnetic fasteners, along with a clasp or tongue mechanism, secures towels in a desired position by frictional engagement and adjustable configurations for various support surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a towel is placed on a boat seat to minimize discomfort, then user comfort is improved, but the towel is displaced by wind or movement of the boat
Solution Approach 1:
The towel securement device is divided into separate functional components: a flexible strap for attachment, fastener plates for securing, and complementary fasteners for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while working together to solve the overall problem of towel retention on moving boats.
Solution Approach 2:
The towel securement device acts as an intermediary between the towel and the boat seat/railing. Rather than directly attaching the towel to the boat (which would be complex), the device provides a simple interface that secures the towel indirectly through the flexible strap and fastening mechanism, effectively mediating the connection.
2Reliability
If a towel securement device is designed with complex fastening mechanisms, then towel retention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with simpler magnetic attraction between complementary fasteners. Instead of requiring multiple screws, clips, or interlocking mechanical parts, the magnetic fasteners provide reliable retention through magnetic force, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of fastening from mechanical interlocking to magnetic attraction. This parameter change allows for a simpler device structure while achieving reliable towel retention, as magnetic forces can hold the towel securely without requiring complex mechanical engagement mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a towel securement device uses magnetic fasteners, then device complexity is reduced, but retention strength may be insufficient for high-wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple retention mechanisms: magnetic attraction between complementary fasteners, friction between the fastener plates and towel, and the mechanical constraint of the flexible strap looped around the support surface. This combination of magnetic, frictional, and mechanical forces provides sufficient retention strength even in high-wind conditions while keeping the overall device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strap serves multiple functions: it attaches the fastener plates to the support surface (boat railing or seat), it provides the mechanical loop for securing, and it positions the magnetic fasteners correctly. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve strong retention through combined forces without requiring additional separate components, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining strength.
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 system ensures the towel remains securely in place on a boat or vehicle, enhancing user comfort by preventing displacement from wind or movement, allowing for convenient and reliable towel retention.
Implementation Method 1
A complementary fastener of a pair of complementary fasteners is disposed on each of the pair of fastener plates, such that the pair of fastener plates are removably securable in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A towel fastener is provided. The device includes a flexible strap having a first end opposite a second end. A pair of fastener plates is hingedly affixed to a first end of the flexible strap. The pair of fastener plates are movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the pair of fastener plates are parallel when in the closed position. A complementary fastener is disposed on each of the pair of fastener plates, such that the pair of fastener plates are removably securable in the closed position. In one embodiment, a clasp is slidably positioned over the flexible strap and removably secures the flexible strap in a looped configuration about a support surface. In another embodiment, a tongue is disposed on the flexible strap, wherein the tongue slidably secures within a track system. In other embodiments, a towel is integrally affixed to a pair of towel fasteners.