Adjustable Height Fastener for Confined-Space Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fasteners are challenging to adjust and align in confined or view-restricted spaces, such as in the assembly of aircraft lavatory units or seats, due to occlusion issues during the joining process.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable height fastener system comprising a fixed receiver and an extendible member with threaded and slidable portions, allowing for adjustable attachment along a first axis, facilitated by a rotatable adjustment portion and offset sleeves for precise alignment and spacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed fastener is used to attach removable structures, then the attachment is secure and stable, but the fastener cannot be adjusted for height or alignment in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of fastener heightVSAvoiddifficulty of adjustment in confined spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener transitions from a fixed state to an adjustable state through rotational movement. The extendible member can rotate relative to the fixed receiver, allowing the fastened object to be positioned at multiple heights along the extendible member's length, then locked in place when rotation stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener is divided into two functional segments: a fixed receiver portion that remains stationary and provides structural support, and an extendible member portion that can rotate and extend to provide adjustment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fastener allows height adjustment, then versatility is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable spacing capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of threaded and slidable portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism merges rotation and extension into a single integrated action. Rotating the extendible member simultaneously achieves both the adjustment motion and the locking function, eliminating the need for separate adjustment and locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extendible member serves multiple functions: it provides the adjustment range through rotation, establishes the variable spacing through extension, and maintains the fastened connection through its threaded engagement with the fixed receiver. One component performs multiple critical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the fastener uses threaded portions for attachment, then precise positioning is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of fastener positioningVSAvoidtime required for adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded portions are pre-configured on both the fixed receiver and extendible member during manufacturing, with thread pitches and engagement geometries designed to provide precise positioning at predetermined intervals. This preliminary preparation enables quick adjustment during operation without complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation mechanism allows the user to quickly skip through multiple possible positioning points by continuous rotational motion, rather than making incremental adjustments at each position. The precise positioning is achieved through the predetermined thread geometry, while the rotation enables rapid traversal between positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

Enables easy installation and adjustment of removable structures in confined spaces by allowing variable spacing and alignment of fasteners, improving accessibility and ease of use in view-restricted areas.

Implementation Method 1

The extendible member may have a second attachment face with a second threaded portion and a second slidable portion, the second threaded portion connectable to the first threaded portion to attach the fixed receiver to the extendible member at different locations along a first axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4414565A1Adjustable height fastener

Publication Date: 2024.08.14 BE AEROSPACE INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D

AI summary

An adjustable height fastener may have a fixed receiver (4) connectable to a fixed structure (36) and an extendible member (6) connectable to the fixed receiver at different locations along a first axis. The extendible member may slide relative to the fixed receiver along the first axis and may selectably connect to fix the fixed receiver and the extendible member in a first location along the first axis.