Adjustable Fastening Element for Composite Wall Force Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing systems for equipment on vehicle floors with composite material walls struggle with force distribution due to variations in wall spacing, leading to poor transmission of forces and potential deformation, especially when hole alignment is off.

Innovation Solution

A fixing element with an adjustable spacer and bearing surfaces that can be aligned to accommodate varying wall spacings, allowing for precise adjustment and secure attachment of equipment without creating a lever arm effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fixed-length cylindrical body is used to distribute forces between two walls, then force distribution is achieved, but variations in wall spacing cause poor force transmission and potential deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmissionVSAvoidadaptability to wall spacing variations
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element incorporates an adjustable length mechanism that allows the element to adapt its dimensions to match varying distances between walls. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures optimal force transmission while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and different wall configurations, resolving the contradiction between maintaining fixed structural integrity and adapting to variable spacing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of fastening element length from fixed to variable, enabling the element to be adjusted to the specific distance between walls. This parameter change allows the fastening system to maintain effective force distribution across different wall spacing scenarios, eliminating the game or deformation issues caused by mismatched lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If holes in top and bottom walls are not properly aligned, then insertion of the screw becomes impossible, but requiring precise alignment increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of screw insertionVSAvoidhole alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between misaligned holes in the two walls. By incorporating adjustment mechanisms and tolerance-compensating features, the element enables successful connection even when wall holes are not perfectly aligned, thereby easing installation while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the distance between walls is too short or too great, then the fastening system deforms the walls, but adjusting for all possible distances increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall integrityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows operators to configure the element's length to match the specific wall spacing. This approach protects wall integrity across various distances without requiring an overly complex pre-configured system, as the adjustment can be made during installation based on actual measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3298286B1Improved fastening element
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM SA
  • EP3298286B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3298286B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening element (1) intended for fastening a device to a partition including a first wall (2) and a second wall (3) opposite one another and separated one above the other, the fastening element comprising a first portion (11) and a second portion (12). The first portion (11) is fastened to the first wall (2) and comprises a base (110) intended for being fastened to the first wall (2), and a spacer (111), fastened to the base (110) by means of an adjustment means arranged so as to allow the position of the spacer (111) to be modified relative to said base (110). The spacer includes a bearing surface (113) which can rest on a receiving surface (123) located on the second portion (12), which is fastened to the second wall (3) opposite the first portion (11).