Adjustable Height Fastener for Occluded Space Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners are difficult to adjust in confined or view-restricted spaces, such as in aircraft lavatories or seats, due to occlusion during the joining process.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable height fastener with a fixed receiver and an extendible member, featuring threaded portions that allow for adjustable connection and disconnection along an axis, enabling precise spacing adjustment and secure attachment in limited visibility conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed fastener is used to attach removable structures, then secure attachment is achieved, but adjustment of height and spacing is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener transitions from a fixed state to an adjustable state through a simple rotational mechanism. The extendible member can rotate relative to the fixed receiver, allowing the fastened objects to be adjusted to different heights and positions along the longitudinal axis, then locked in place when desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into two distinct components: a fixed receiver that attaches to the stationary structure, and an extendible member that connects to the movable object. This segmentation allows one part to remain stable while the other provides adjustment capability.
2Ease of operation
If the removable structure is moved into place adjacent to the mounting rail, then secure attachment is achieved, but view of the mounting rail and associated fasteners is occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The extendible member acts as an intermediary that extends beyond the occluding structure, providing a visible and accessible interface for adjustment. This external adjustment mechanism allows operators to see and manipulate the fastener without needing to view the hidden mounting rail or internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational adjustment mechanism allows the extendible member to be dynamically repositioned and locked at various heights. This dynamic capability enables easy adjustment even when the main body of the fastener is obscured, as the adjustment interface remains externally accessible.
3Length of moving object
If the extendible member is made longer to increase spacing between structures, then spacing flexibility is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded portions are pre-configured in both the fixed receiver and extendible member, allowing for secure engagement before the full length of the extendible member is deployed. This preliminary threading action ensures that even longer extendible members maintain strong connections through the threaded interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener utilizes threaded metal components that provide both length and strength. The threaded portions create a composite connection structure that distributes mechanical loads effectively along the length of the extendible member, maintaining strength even as length increases.
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
Facilitates easy installation and adjustment of removable structures in confined spaces by allowing variable spacing and secure fastening, even with limited visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The fixed receiver may have a first attachment face with a first threaded portion... The extendible member may have a second attachment face with a second threaded portion... the second threaded portion connectable to the first threaded portion to attach the fixed receiver to the extendible member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable height fastener may have a fixed receiver connectable to a fixed structure and an extendible member 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.