Adjustable Height Fastener With Locking Sleeve for Occluded Alignment
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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 aircraft lavatory units or seats, existing fasteners are difficult to adjust due to occlusion, making it hard to align and secure them properly.
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 structures and preventing relative rotation or movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed fastener is used to attach removable structures in confined spaces, then the fastening is simple and reliable, but the fastener cannot be adjusted for proper alignment when view is occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The adjustable load-bearing member can be positioned at different locations along the first axis, allowing the fastener height to be modified based on alignment requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixed load-bearing member attached to the fixed structure, an adjustable load-bearing member that can be positioned independently, and a locking member that secures the adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling overall adjustability.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustable load-bearing member allows movement along the first axis for height adjustment, then alignment is improved, but relative rotation or unintended movement occurs during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to secure the adjustable load-bearing member at the desired position along the first axis before any unintended movement or rotation can occur. The key and keyway engagement is prepared in advance to prevent rotation, ensuring that once adjustment is made, the position is immediately stabilized.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member acts as an intermediary between the fixed and adjustable load-bearing members. It mediates the connection by providing both adjustment capability along the first axis and rotational constraint through the key-keyway interface, ensuring controlled movement and stable positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking member secures both load-bearing members firmly, then position stability is improved, but adjustment of the fastener height becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than permanently fixed. The locking member can be engaged or disengaged from the keyway, allowing the system to switch between a locked stable state and an unlocked adjustable state. This enables easy adjustment when needed while maintaining firm security when locked.
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 adjustment and secure attachment of removable structures like aircraft lavatories or seats to fixed structures like seat tracks in confined spaces, ensuring reliable and adjustable fastening without occlusion issues.
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 of the fixed load-bearing member and the adjustable load-bearing member.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable height fastener (1) may have a fixed load-bearing member (2) connectable to a fixed structure and an adjustable load-bearing member (4) connectable to the fixed load-bearing member (2) at different locations along a first axis (7). An adjustment locking member (6) is connectable to both the fixed load-bearing member (2) and the adjustable load-bearing member (4) to fix the fixed load-bearing member (2) and the adjustable load-bearing member (4) in a first location along the first axis (7).