Adjustable Shielding Fastener with Deflectable Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-nut fasteners cannot simultaneously displace both barbs to allow for removal without damaging the stud or fastener, and they lack adjustability for varying stud diameters.
Innovation Solution
A manually installed fastener design featuring parallel plates with a bend member and deflectable legs, where the second plate can be elastically displaced to change the clearance diameter between barbs, allowing for easy installation and removal without damage, and incorporating features like raised beads or tab clamps to prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If barbs are provided on the same fastener plate to create retention force, then the fastener can be securely retained on the stud, but the barbs cannot be simultaneously displaced for removal, causing damage to the stud and/or fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate plates: a first plate with a first barb and a second plate with a second barb. This segmentation allows each barb to be independently controlled and displaced, enabling both barbs to be simultaneously moved during removal without causing damage to the stud or fastener components.
Solution Approach 2:
The second plate is made elastically deflectable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This enables the second barb to be displaced along with the first barb during removal, providing the necessary movement capability that was missing in fixed barb designs while maintaining retention strength during normal use.
2Device complexity
If barbs are fixed on the fastener plate, then the structure is simple and strong, but the spacing between barbs cannot be adjusted to accommodate different stud diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The second plate is designed to be elastically deflectable, allowing the spacing between the first barb (on the first plate) and the second barb (on the second plate) to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the fastener to accommodate different stud diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the fastener uses a single plate design, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot provide both retention force and rotational prevention simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into two separate plates, each serving distinct functions. The first plate with the first barb provides primary retention force, while the second plate with the second barb works in conjunction with bite members to prevent rotation. This segmentation allows both retention and rotation prevention to be achieved simultaneously without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-plate structure enables each plate to perform multiple functions. The first plate provides retention through the first barb, while the second plate contributes to both retention (through the second barb) and rotation prevention (through coordination with bite members). This multi-functionality increases reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 secure retention and adjustable installation on various stud diameters, allowing for easy removal and reusability of the fastener without damaging the stud or fastener, while preventing rotational displacement.
Implementation Method 1
The second barb and the second plate are elastically displaced with respect to the first barb and the first plate to change a clearance diameter between the first and second barbs
Implementation Method 2
A force applied to the bend member and oppositely applied to the fixed leg deflects at least one of the outer or inner deflectable legs causing the second plate and the second barb to displace with respect to the first plate and the first barb
Data Source
AI summary
A manually installed fastener includes a fastener body having parallel first and second plates, the second plate having an aperture. A bend member integrally joins the first and second plates. The bend member has an outer deflectable leg integrally connected to the first plate and an inner deflectable leg integrally connected to the second plate. A first barb is integrally connected to the first plate and extends through the aperture of the second plate. A second barb is integrally connected to the second plate and is oppositely oriented with respect to the first barb. The second barb and the second plate are elastically displaced with respect to the first barb and the first plate to change a clearance diameter between the first and second barbs.