Adjustable Height Fastener With Locking Sleeve for Confined Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In situations where fastening two articles together involves aligning fasteners in confined or view-restricted spaces, such as in aircraft lavatory units or seats, the existing fastening systems face challenges in adjusting the height due to occlusion and limited accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable height fastener system comprising a fixed load-bearing member and an adjustable load-bearing member connected via threading, with an annular locking sleeve to secure the position along a first axis, allowing for adjustable spacing between the fastener and the fixed structure, enabling easy installation in restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed fastening system is used to attach removable structures to fixed structures, then the fastening is simple and reliable, but the height and spacing are not adjustable, making it difficult to install in confined spaces with limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate segments: a fixed load-bearing member attached to the fixed structure, and an adjustable load-bearing member that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve the desired spacing and height while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static fixed fastening to a dynamic adjustable system. The adjustable load-bearing member can be repositioned along the fixed load-bearing member, and the adjustment locking member allows the system to be locked at different positions. This provides adaptability for different installation scenarios while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the removable structure is moved into place adjacent to the mounting rail, then the fastening connection is established, but the view and accessibility of the mounting rail and associated fasteners is occluded, hampering adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment of the fastening system is performed before the removable structure is fully positioned and secured. The adjustable load-bearing member can be positioned and locked while still accessible, allowing all necessary adjustments to be made before final installation. This preliminary adjustment action eliminates the need to access occluded fasteners after positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment locking member acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows the adjustable load-bearing member to be secured at different positions without requiring direct access to the connection points between the removable structure and mounting rail. This intermediary locking mechanism provides ease of operation while maintaining reliable connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable load-bearing member is threaded onto the fixed load-bearing member, then the spacing is adjustable, but the mechanism requires precise alignment and locking to prevent detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate component - the adjustment locking member - from the threading mechanism. This dedicated locking component engages with the threaded sections to prevent detachment and maintain precise positioning, allowing the threading mechanism to focus on providing adjustable spacing while the locking mechanism ensures reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the form of threaded engagement to achieve adjustable spacing. By changing the degree of threading engagement, the spacing between the fixed structure and removable structure can be precisely controlled. The adjustment locking member then maintains this parameter setting to prevent accidental changes.
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 and precise adjustment and secure fixing of the removable structure relative to the fixed structure, facilitating installation and removal in confined spaces while preventing detachment, thus enhancing operational efficiency in aircraft cabin installations.
Implementation Method 1
The upper collar and the lower collar may be connectable by threading the upper collar over the lower collar, the upper collar and the lower collar having corresponding threads
Implementation Method 2
The locking sleeve may have at least one key that extends into at least one corresponding keyway of the fixed load-bearing member and at least one corresponding keyway of the adjustable load-bearing member to limit relative movement
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable height fastener may have a fixed load-bearing member connectable to a fixed structure and an adjustable load-bearing member connectable to the fixed load-bearing member at different locations along a first axis. An adjustment locking member is connectable to both the fixed load-bearing member and the adjustable load-bearing member to fix the fixed load-bearing member and the adjustable load-bearing member in a first location along the first axis.