Channel Fixing Mechanism With Helical Deployment for Secure Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical fastening systems for channels are inefficient due to the need for specialized machinery to shape channels, potential for over- or under-rotation of channel nuts, and reliance on spring mechanisms that can fail, leading to improper fixing and potential loosening of attached articles.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with an anchor element and a rotating element, where the anchor element and rotating element move towards each other along an axis, converting this movement into helical rotation using a deployment mechanism, allowing for secure fastening without the need for open ends or specialized apertures, and reducing the risk of over- or under-rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If widened apertures are cut or shaped into the channel structure to enable channel nut insertion, then the channel nut can be inserted into the channel, but specialized machinery is required and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the channel to accommodate the channel nut (cutting apertures), the invention inverts the approach by designing the channel nut with a collapsible configuration that allows it to pass through the channel through its opening in a compressed state, then expand to engage the flanges inside the channel
Solution Approach 2:
The channel nut employs dynamic characteristics through its collapsible and expandable design, transitioning from a compressed insertion state to an expanded engagement state, allowing it to pass through the channel opening and then secure itself without requiring permanent modifications to the channel
2Ease of operation
If the channel is opened or partially disassembled to enable access for inserting the channel nut, then the channel nut can be fed along the channel, but the structure becomes vulnerable to contaminants and insects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the channel to insert the nut, the invention allows insertion through the existing channel opening by compressing the channel nut to a smaller profile that can pass through, then expanding it inside the channel to engage the flanges
Solution Approach 2:
The channel nut design allows one configuration (collapsed state) to be nested within the channel opening, then transformed into an expanded state that engages the channel flanges, effectively nesting the insertion process within the existing channel structure without requiring it to be opened
3Reliability
If the channel nut is made wider than the flanges to ensure contact and holding, then the fastening is secure, but the channel nut cannot be inserted through the channel opening
Solution Approach 1:
The channel nut transitions dynamically between two size states: a collapsed insertion state with width less than the channel opening for easy insertion, and an expanded engagement state with width greater than the flanges for secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The channel nut is divided into functional segments that can collapse together for insertion and then expand or splay outward to engage the channel flanges, allowing the same component to satisfy both insertion and retention requirements
4Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is used to drive rotation of the channel nut, then the channel nut can be rotated into position, but the spring mechanism may fail leading to improper fixing
Solution Approach 1:
The channel nut design allows the user to directly control rotation through the fastener, making the system self-sufficient without relying on auxiliary spring mechanisms that could fail
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic spring mechanism is completely removed from the design, extracting the unreliable component while maintaining the essential function of rotation through direct user control via the fastener
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 fastening of articles to channels without requiring open ends or specialized apertures, reduces the risk of over- or under-rotation, and minimizes the risk of failure due to spring mechanisms, providing a reliable and efficient fastening solution.
Implementation Method 1
the deployment mechanism is adapted to convert movement of the anchor element and rotating element towards one another into helical movement in a first-handed direction along and about the axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to, in a first aspect, a fixing device comprising an anchor element that is positioned along an axis, the anchor element extending substantially perpendicular thereto, a rotating element arranged perpendicular to and rotatable about the axis, and spaced therealong from the anchor element, and a deployment mechanism, comprising a first deployment portion on the anchor element and a second deployment portion on the rotating element, wherein one of the first and second deployment portions comprise a sloping surface extending at least partway around the axis, and the other is shaped to be able to roll, slide or otherwise move along the sloping surface, the anchor element and rotating element are able to move towards one another along the axis, and the deployment mechanism is adapted to convert movement of the anchor element and rotating element towards one another into helical movement in a first-handed direction along and about the axis. Also provided are a fixing device for fixing an article to a structure, a system comprising a fixing or fastening device, and a method of using a fixing device.