Board-to-Board Fastening Assembly for Tool-Free Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing board-to-board connection technologies require screws or plugs that are prone to loss during disassembly, leading to complicated, time-consuming, and labor-intensive assembly and disassembly processes, often resulting in operational errors and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A screw-free fastening assembly comprising a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a positioning element, a driven element, and an elastic element, where the driven element's inclined guiding surface interacts with the positioning element to drive an inserting rod through corresponding holes in stacked boards, allowing for assembly without tools and easy disassembly by releasing elastic tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or plugs are used to position and fix the board, then the boards can be securely fixed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex screw or plug fastening mechanism and replaces it with a simplified positioning element that uses elastic deformation of the first sleeve to achieve fixation. The positioning element engages with the second sleeve through elastic interaction, eliminating the need for traditional fasteners and significantly reducing assembly complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element utilizes the elastic properties of the first sleeve to automatically engage and disengage from the second sleeve. The elastic deformation and recovery of the first sleeve provide self-locking during assembly and self-release during disassembly, making the process intuitive and tool-free.
2Reliability
If screws or plugs are used to fix the board, then the boards can be securely fixed, but the process becomes labor-intensive and prone to operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element with elastic first sleeve automatically performs the fixation function through elastic deformation and recovery. The operator simply needs to insert the positioning element, and the elastic interaction between the first and second sleeves automatically secures the board, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening or plug insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for hand tools and complex fastening operations by replacing screws or plugs with an elastic positioning mechanism. This extraction of traditional fastening methods dramatically simplifies the operation and reduces the risk of operational errors.
3Reliability
If multiple hand tools are used to drive different screws or plugs, then the boards can be fixed securely, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element serves multiple functions: it provides positioning, fixation, and release mechanisms all in one component. The elastic first sleeve combines the functions of a fastener, spring, and locking mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.) by replacing them with a single elastic positioning element. This reduction in tool requirements directly lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies the production process.
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
This solution simplifies board-to-board assembly and disassembly, reduces operational errors, and eliminates the need for hand tools, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element disposed in the accommodating space and allowing the inserting rod axially inserted therein, wherein one end of the elastic element leans against the driven element, and the other end of the elastic element leans against the first sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening assembly includes: a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a positioning element, a driven element and an elastic element. The first sleeve includes a plug tube having a passage communicating with the first sleeve. The second sleeve is integrated into the first sleeve. The driven element includes an inserting rod movably inserted in the passage along a first direction and a guiding portion having a first inclined guiding surface forming a first acute angle with the first direction. The positioning element includes a guide rod movably inserted in the second sleeve along the second direction and a slide block connected to the guide rod and in sliding contact with the first inclined guiding surface. One end of the elastic element leans against the driven element, and the other end of the elastic element leans against the first sleeve.