Product Design ideas/inspiration needed to resolve product design bottleneck!

  • Status: Closed
  • Prize: $132
  • Entries Received: 5

Contest Brief

I am looking for an experienced and creative product engineer or industrial design person to assist in resolving a design feature with a component of a new product. The product incorporates a ~3 inch wide (8cm) x 1/8 inch thick (3mm) woven polyester/elastic fabric band that needs to be both adjustable in length and durable. The overall range of adjustment will be approximately 5 inches (12.5cm)...so if the shortest version of the band was 32 inches it would be adjustable up to 37 inches in length. Due to the stretch characteristics of the band and the expected load, typical 'buckle' type strap adjusters, tri-bars and other conventional strap adjustment devices would likely (?) create too much friction and wear at the point of contact/interface.

The final version of the band when connected and adjusted needs to look clean/attractive like a well designed product.

The band will effectively end up as a closed loop once connected, so I envision one free end which will need to be cleanly attached to the band (think of the left over bit when you tighten your belt); but in such a way as to not increase the overall resistance of the loop (due to a 'double up' where the band overlaps) beyond what it would be if the loose end beyond point of attachment had been cut off.

Any mechanism which requires sewing (i.e. - a buckle component, or attachment of velcro, etc) should consider that there will be stretching across the entire attachment point and any seam will be repeatedly stretched under pressure. Any zones where a non-stretchable component meets with or is fixed to the stretchable fabric will be under repeated stress.

I require a resource with experience in product design/engineering that can digest my product performance requirements and come up with some creative ideas to address the problem using conventional manufacturing techniques and/or existing componentry. Cost is a critical factor, so I am hoping for a solution that can be easily implemented with commonly available supplies.

I expect that the solution is likely a simple one, but my limited experience in this area has resulted in frustrating delays in implementing the product concept.

I've attached a top and side view photo of the fabric band for your reference.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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Public Clarification Board

  • saifelsedawy
    saifelsedawy
    • 5 years ago

    One day remaining!

    • 5 years ago
  • abishek15
    abishek15
    • 5 years ago

    Anyone got any prize!

    • 5 years ago
    1. saifelsedawy
      saifelsedawy
      • 5 years ago

      No, We are waiting for the contest holder. hope he is fine and comes soon.

      • 5 years ago
  • xabhix
    xabhix
    • 5 years ago

    rate my entry, please #11 thanks for extended. :)

    • 5 years ago
  • abishek15
    abishek15
    • 5 years ago

    Hey, can you tell me how close I am to your product, what can be modified?

    • 5 years ago
  • abishek15
    abishek15
    • 5 years ago

    Entry no.10 and I request the contest holder to communicate either personally or through this chat, regarding queries or information if any. THANKS

    • 5 years ago
  • kathire
    kathire
    • 5 years ago

    check my entry #8 and if you have any questions please come on chat.

    • 5 years ago
  • saifelsedawy
    saifelsedawy
    • 5 years ago

    Please check Entry #5 and #7 and if you cant understand the idea tell me to re represent it. because now we have more time. thank you.

    • 5 years ago
  • saifelsedawy
    saifelsedawy
    • 5 years ago

    let me explain what i understood. the problem is in the contact between the band and the other component because of friction and wear. if this is the problem please upload the connecting component. i want to see it to give you a cheap solution as i can.

    • 5 years ago
    1. clayy01
      Contest Holder
      • 5 years ago

      Hi Saif. I do not have a connecting component that I can share with you. In my mind I considered a belt type of buckle with a sliding bar, a 'tri-bar' and a strap buckle like you would find on the belt part of a backpack. All of these would create signficant friction at the point of attachment and quickly wear out the fabric or otherwise damage it. I have asked for ideas for a different type of attachment device.

      • 5 years ago
    2. saifelsedawy
      saifelsedawy
      • 5 years ago

      I have an idea and i will try to end it in these little hours.

      • 5 years ago
  • xabhix
    xabhix
    • 5 years ago

    YOU NEED CONNECTOR AS PERMANENT FIX ONCE USE OR REMOVABLE ?

    • 5 years ago
    1. clayy01
      Contest Holder
      • 5 years ago

      Hi Abhi. It is intended to be permanent, but I probably wouldn't matter if it is removable.

      • 5 years ago

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