Expandable Barrier Fastener Assembly for Stable Rotatable Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expandable barriers face challenges in forming durable rotatable connections between their arms that remain stable over repeated expansions and contractions, as threaded fittings tend to loosen and rivets are prone to breakage and require specialized equipment for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a female pin with annular walls and arms, and a male pin with annular projections, which form a secure connection by extending through the female pin's annular wall, ensuring the male projections contact a ledge, providing stability and ease of installation without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded fittings are used to form rotatable connections between barrier arms, then the connections can be easily assembled, but the fittings loosen over time as the arms rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate components: a female pin with an annular wall and a male pin with an annular projection. The male pin passes through the female pin's annular wall, creating a segmented structure where each component has a specific function. This segmentation allows the connection to accommodate rotation while maintaining stability, as the male projection can rotate within the female annular wall without loosening like threaded fittings.
Solution Approach 2:
The male pin is nested within the female pin structure. The male pin extends through the first annular wall of the female pin, with the male projection contacting the ledge formed by the female pin. This nested configuration allows the male pin to rotate freely within the female pin's annular wall while maintaining a secure connection, preventing the loosening issue experienced with threaded fittings.
2Reliability
If rivets are used to form rotatable connections between barrier arms, then the connections are durable, but special equipment is required for installation and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is segmented into two installable components: the female pin (with annular wall) and the male pin (with annular projection). This segmentation eliminates the need for specialized riveting equipment, as both components can be assembled using simple insertion through aligned openings in the barrier arms, while still providing durable, rotation-resistant connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design allows for self-installation without specialized equipment. The male pin simply extends through the female pin's annular wall and the barrier arm openings, with the male projection contacting the female ledge to secure the connection. This self-service installation method eliminates the need for riveting machines or hammers required by traditional rivets.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rivets are used to form rotatable connections, then the connections are stable, but the rivets are prone to breakage after repeated expansions and contractions
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design incorporates dynamic elements that accommodate repeated expansion and contraction movements. The male pin can rotate freely within the female pin's annular wall, and the male projection maintains contact with the female ledge throughout the motion cycle. This dynamic design prevents the stress concentration and breakage that occurs with rigid rivet connections subjected to repeated motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of the male pin within the female pin's annular wall allows for smooth, stress-distributing motion during repeated expansions and contractions. The male projection contacting the female ledge creates a guided movement path that prevents erratic loading and potential breakage, extending the service life of the connection under cyclic motion.
4Ease of manufacture
If threaded fittings are used for rotatable connections, then the assembly is simple, but the connections become unstable over time
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into a female pin with annular wall and a male pin with annular projection, which can be easily manufactured separately and assembled by simple insertion through aligned openings. This segmented design maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving stable, non-loosening connections through the male projection contacting the female ledge during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener system provides self-securing functionality without complex threading. The male pin automatically secures itself as it passes through the female pin's annular wall, with the male projection naturally contacting the female ledge to prevent loosening. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of assembly while ensuring long-term connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fastener including (A) a female pin with a first annular wall with a first end and a second end; at least one female arm extending from the first end of the first annular wall, the female arm having a proximal end, a distal end, a female arm outer surface, and a female projection at the distal end that extends from the female arm outer surface; and a ledge at the second end of the first annular wall; and (B) a male pin with a second annular wall having a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter; at least one male arm extending from the first end of the second annular wall, the male arm having a proximal end, a distal end, a male arm outer surface, and a male projection at the distal end that extends from the male arm outer surface; and an annular projection at the second end of the second annular wall, the annular projection having an outer annular diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the second annular wall. The male pin extends through the first annular wall of the female pin, such that the male projection contacts the ledge.