Channel Fastener Torque Limb for Defined Clamping Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel fasteners have a bulky design due to torque-inducing elements that remain outside the flanges when the anchoring element is locked, leading to less defined clamping force and a less sturdy connection.
Innovation Solution
A channel fastener with a compact design featuring a resiliently deformable limb that extends from the anchoring element towards the washer element, allowing the torque-inducing element to deform and induce torque for automatic rotation, with the limb staying within the washer element's contour, preventing external components from getting nipped between the washer and flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the torque-inducing element is designed to remain outside the flanges when the anchoring element is locked, then the installation is simplified, but the clamping force is less defined and the connection is less sturdy
Solution Approach 1:
The torque-inducing element is nested within the contour of the washer element, with the resiliently deformable limb extending from the anchoring element towards the washer element but remaining contained within it. This nesting arrangement allows the torque-inducing element to function during installation while maintaining a compact, space-efficient design that does not protrude externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The limb is arranged substantially offset from the rotational axis of the anchoring element, creating a lever arm that generates torque through sliding engagement with the flanges. This dimensional offset allows the torque-inducing element to operate effectively within the constrained space of the washer element contour while still producing sufficient rotational force.
2Power
If the torque-inducing element has components extending outside the washer element, then the torque induction is effective, but external components may get nipped between the washer and flanges causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The torque-inducing element is completely nested within the contour of the washer element, eliminating any external protruding components that could be trapped or damaged during assembly. The resiliently deformable limb extends towards the washer element but remains contained within its boundary, preventing pinching between the washer and flanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable limb is designed to deform elastically during insertion, converting the potential harmful compression forces into beneficial torque-inducing motion. The elastic deformation allows the limb to pass through the flange region without causing damage while still generating the necessary rotational torque.
3Device complexity
If the limb extends from the anchoring element towards the washer element within the washer contour, then the design is compact and prevents damage, but the torque induction mechanism must be precisely configured
Solution Approach 1:
The limb is designed with specific geometric parameters including being arranged substantially offset from the rotational axis and having a sliding engagement surface configured to contact the flanges at a defined angle. These parameter specifications ensure that the elastic deformation automatically generates the correct torque magnitude and direction without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable limb automatically induces torque through its own elastic deformation during the insertion process. The deformation is self-generated by the insertion force itself, eliminating the need for external torque application devices or complex adjustment mechanisms. The limb serves both as a structural connector and as the torque-inducing element.
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 compact design enhances the clamping force and stability of the channel fastener, preventing damage and ensuring easy installation by maintaining the torque-inducing elements within the washer element's contour, thus avoiding interference with other components.
Implementation Method 1
said limb deforms to pass the flange while sliding along the flange towards the interior of the channel element, whereby a torque on the anchoring element is induced
Data Source
AI summary
A channel fastener (1) for fastening to an elongate channel element (2), the fastener comprising a washer element (4), an oblong anchoring element (5) and a connecting element (7) which connects the anchoring element to the washer element, while allowing the anchoring element to rotate with respect to the washer element. The fastener comprises a torque-inducing element fixed to the anchoring element and including at least one resiliently deformable limb (9) arranged substantially offset from the rotational axis of the anchoring element and adapted for a sliding engagement with a flange of the channel element. When the anchoring element is inserted through the longitudinal slot into the channel element, the limb deforms while sliding along the flange towards the interior of the channel element, whereby a torque on the anchoring element is induced, which rotates the anchoring element towards a locking position in which it cannot be retracted through the longitudinal slot of the channel element.