Adjustable Holding Element With Threaded Rod And Knob

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding elements for construction materials, such as plasterboards and insulating materials, lack precise and easy-to-implement adjustment mechanisms for the working length of the rod, leading to difficulties in adapting to specific thicknesses and maintaining the construction element effectively.

Innovation Solution

A holding element with a threaded rod and a circular knob that allows for precise adjustment of the working length through screwing or unscrewing, utilizing fastening plates with screwing means that cooperate with the thread to securely engage and disengage the rod, enabling easy and intuitive length adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rod with thread and screwing mechanism is used for adjustment, then the manufacturing precision and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking length adjustment precisionVSAvoidholding element structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is nested within the knob, with the rod passing through a recess in the knob. The fastening plates are housed within the knob structure. This nesting arrangement allows the adjustment mechanism to be compact while maintaining precision, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding element is divided into distinct functional segments: the rod for length adjustment, the knob for securing and adjustment control, and the fastening plates for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving precise adjustment without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If fastening plates with buttons are used for securing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod engagement and disengagement easeVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening plates are designed with buttons that, when pressed, automatically release the rod from the knob. The spring means automatically return the plates to their securing position after release. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while minimizing complexity through automatic resetting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening plates are pre-positioned in a securing state, with the buttons ready to be pressed for release. The spring means are pre-loaded to automatically return the plates to their securing position. This preliminary preparation of the fastening mechanism enables quick and easy operation without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the rod can be quickly removed and repositioned, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of maintaining working length decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and adjustment speedVSAvoidworking length maintenance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The screwing mechanism replaces simpler but less precise mechanical connection methods. The threaded engagement between the rod and the knob's screwing means provides reliable length maintenance, while the button-actuated fastening plates enable quick release. This substitution of the connection mechanism achieves both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring means provide continuous mechanical feedback by maintaining constant pressure on the fastening plates to keep them in the securing position. This feedback ensures the rod remains firmly secured at the adjusted working length during use, while allowing quick release when the buttons are pressed, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution provides a rapid, precise, and easy-to-control mechanism for adjusting the working length of the rod, ensuring it adapts to various construction element thicknesses while maintaining stability, facilitating efficient installation and use.

Implementation Method 1

the screwing means cooperating with the thread of the rod for adjusting the working length of the rod by screwing or unscrewing the wheel around the rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew thread mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3126591B1Holding element made up of an adjusting knob and a rod with adjustment of the length of the rod projecting beyond the adjusting knob
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 AZERAD THIERRY
  • EP3126591B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126591B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3126591B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a holding element (1) comprising a rod (6) in which one portion of the length, referred to as working length, corresponds to the thickness of a construction element to be held by said element (1). The rod (6) has a thread (10) and the holding element (1) comprises a substantially circular adjusting knob (2), removably receiving the rod (6) in a median recess (9), the adjusting knob (2) being provided with securing means (12, 12a) for securing to the rod (6), comprising screwing means (11) engaging with the thread of the rod (6) in order to adjust the working length of the rod (6) by screwing or unscrewing the adjusting knob (2) around the rod (6).