Channel Fastener Torque-Limb Locking for Compact Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel fasteners have a less compact design due to torque-inducing elements that remain outside the flanges when the anchoring element is locked, leading to a less defined clamping force and a less sturdy connection.
Innovation Solution
A channel fastener with a more compact design, featuring a torque-inducing element with resiliently deformable limbs that extend from the anchoring element towards the washer element, allowing the limbs to deform and induce torque for locking without external components being nipped between the washer and flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the torque-inducing element remains outside the flanges when the anchoring element is locked, then the design is simpler, 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 limbs positioned inside the washer's boundary. This nesting ensures that when the anchoring element is locked, the torque-inducing element remains contained within the washer-flange interface area, preventing external components from being nipped while maintaining a defined clamping force and sturdy connection.
2Power
If the torque-inducing element has components extending outside the washer contour, then the torque induction is more effective, but the risk of damage to external components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable limbs are positioned locally within the washer element's contour, specifically arranged to engage with the flange surface without extending beyond the washer's outer boundary. This local positioning allows effective torque induction through controlled deformation while eliminating the risk of damaging external components that might be present in the surrounding area.
3Volume of moving object
If the resiliently deformable limbs extend from the anchoring element towards the washer element, then the compact design is achieved, but the deformation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable limbs are designed with dynamic deformation capability, allowing them to bend and flex within the limited space between the anchoring element and the washer element. This dynamic behavior enables the limbs to generate sufficient torque through elastic deformation even with reduced extension length, achieving both compactness and adequate deformation space.
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 by ensuring the torque-inducing elements remain within the contour of the washer element, reducing the risk of damage and improving the connection's reliability.
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 for fastening to an elongate channel element including a washer element, an oblong anchoring element and a connecting element which connects the anchoring element to the washer element, while allowing the anchoring element to rotate with respect to the washer element. The fastener includes a torque-inducing element fixed to the anchoring element and includes at least one resiliently deformable limb 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.