Concealed Fastener Plate With Swivel Mounting and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a secure and aesthetically hidden fastening method that allows objects to be attached to surfaces without visible fasteners, particularly in applications where the attachment means must remain concealed and provide reliable mounting while allowing for easy installation and removal, such as in the automotive industry and artwork mounting.
Innovation Solution
A fastening assembly comprising a plate with oppositely directed tapered holes and standard hardware, featuring a first fastener for attaching the plate to a structure and a second fastener for connecting to the object, with a locking mechanism to secure the second fastener to the plate, enabling secure and hidden attachment while allowing for rotational adjustment and easy installation from the viewing side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visible fasteners such as nails, screws, or bolts are used to attach objects to surfaces, then secure attachment is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible attachment means
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener head is extracted from the visible front surface and positioned on the rear surface of the mounting surface. The plate contains a cavity that receives and conceals the fastener head, so only the fastener shaft passes through the front surface creating a clean appearance while the head remains hidden on the back side, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener head is moved from the two-dimensional front surface plane to the three-dimensional rear surface space. By utilizing the depth dimension of the mounting surface and the plate's cavity, the head is repositioned in another dimension where it performs its securing function while remaining invisible from the front viewing angle
2Device complexity
If fasteners are installed from the backside of the mounting surface to remain hidden, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but accessibility and installation difficulty worsen due to difficult access to the opposite side
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is inverted: instead of installing the fastener head from the rear surface and having it protrude forward, the fastener is installed from the front surface with the head terminating in the cavity on the rear side. This inversion allows installation from the easily accessible front surface while achieving the aesthetic benefit of having the head concealed on the rear surface
Solution Approach 2:
The plate serves as an intermediary component between the mounting surface and the fastener. The plate's cavity acts as a mediator that receives and conceals the fastener head, allowing the fastener to be installed from the front surface while the head ends up hidden on the rear surface, thus resolving the accessibility contradiction
3Device complexity
If picture wire and hooks are used for hidden attachment, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but attachment security deteriorates as the means can be easily dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The weak mechanical system of picture wire and hooks is replaced with a robust mechanical fastening system using a fastener with threaded or engagement features that interact with the plate's cavity. This substitution provides secure attachment through positive mechanical engagement while maintaining aesthetic appearance by concealing the fastener head on the rear surface
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system uses composite construction combining the plate (with cavity), the fastener (with head and shaft), and the mounting surface. This composite structure creates a secure multi-component assembly where the fastener head engages with the plate's cavity to provide reliable attachment while the overall design maintains aesthetic appearance
4Reliability
If standard fasteners are used for secure attachment, then attachment security is improved, but ease of removal and reinstallation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is made dynamic and reversible. The fastener can be easily inserted into and removed from the plate's cavity, allowing for simple installation and removal. The cavity design facilitates easy engagement and disengagement of the fastener head, enabling reliable attachment that can be readily removed and reinstalled multiple times
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening assembly for fastening an object to a surface or a structure, and/or between structures or objects, includes a plate having a first and second hole. A first fastener extends through the first hole and is adapted for attaching the plate to the surface. A second fastener has a head configured to be received in the second hole to hold the second fastener to the plate and is adapted for connection to the object. Preferably at least one set screw extends from an edge of the plate to lock the plate to the second fastener. The plate is pivotal about both fasteners so that the plate can swivel providing flexibility in installation and use.