Composite Polymeric Fastener With Reinforcing Core for Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners made of non-ferrous materials, such as plastic, lack sufficient strength for use in the construction industry, as they are unable to effectively hold building components together due to their low force requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of composite fasteners comprising an internal strengthening core and an outer polymeric layer, where the polymeric material forms at least 50% of the fastener's volume, and the core is made of a stronger material, such as carbon fibers or metals, enhancing the fastener's strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If fasteners are made of non-ferrous materials such as plastic, then they are lighter and more cost-effective, but they lack sufficient strength to hold building components together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a polymeric outer layer with an internal strengthening core made of a different material. This composite structure allows the fastener to achieve the strength of metal materials while maintaining the weight and corrosion resistance advantages of polymeric materials. The outer layer provides corrosion resistance and structural integrity, while the internal core provides enhanced strength.
2Strength
If fasteners are made of single material such as steel, then they have sufficient strength, but they are heavier and more expensive to ship
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to replace single-material steel fasteners. The polymeric outer layer with internal strengthening core creates a structure that achieves comparable strength to steel while significantly reducing weight. This allows the fastener to meet construction industry strength requirements without the penalty of heavy weight and associated shipping costs.
3Strength
If fasteners are made of single material such as steel, then they have sufficient strength, but they are more susceptible to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials where the polymeric outer layer provides corrosion resistance while the internal strengthening core provides structural strength. This composite structure eliminates the corrosion susceptibility of metal fasteners while maintaining the strength required for construction applications. The polymeric material is inherently resistant to rust and corrosion from environmental factors including salt water.
4Ease of manufacture
If the outer layer is made thinner to reduce material usage, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the fastener loses structural integrity and strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the thickness distribution between the outer layer and internal core. The outer layer is maintained at a sufficient thickness to provide corrosion resistance and structural integrity, while the internal core provides additional strength without requiring excessive outer layer thickness. This balanced design achieves material efficiency while maintaining fastener strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric fastener for use in the construction industry for fastening wood and other basic materials together. The polymeric fastener can be formed in the basic shape of a nail and/or a staple-like fastener. Preferred embodiments of the polymeric fastener include a hardened binder embedded with a filler and/or a core for adequate strength as required for use with a delivery device powered by pneumatics, hydraulics, or other mechanical systems.