Deployable Anchor Fastener for Washable Agricultural Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for securing objects in agricultural environments, such as creep feeders in farrowing crates, lack ease of use, durability, dependability, and ease of cleaning and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising a push member, a rigid shaft, an engaging member, a biasing member, and an anchor, which allows for easy attachment and detachment of objects by transitioning the anchor between states to secure or release the fastener, while the biasing member provides a spring force to maintain the attachment and the design ensures durability and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fastening device is used, then the attachment may be secure, but the device is difficult to operate and take a long time to attach and detach
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed to be transitionable between a first state (for insertion) and a second state (for secure engagement). This dynamic state change allows the anchor to easily pass through openings during attachment, then securely engage to hold the object firmly. The biasing member automatically maintains the anchor in the appropriate state during the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is divided into separate functional components: an anchor for securing, an engaging member for interface, a biasing member for force application, and a push member for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall device easy to operate while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If a complex fastening mechanism is used, then the attachment may be dependable, but the device complexity increases making it harder to use and clean
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically maintains the anchor in the engaged state and ensures the engaging member remains pressed against the object surface. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems, maintaining dependable attachment while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member serves multiple functions: it provides a surface for the biasing member to press against, serves as a interface for the anchor to engage with, and maintains continuous contact pressure on the object. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Strength
If a traditional securing device is used, then it may provide adequate attachment, but it is not durable in rough agricultural environments with piglets
Solution Approach 1:
The push member includes a curved surface that disperses force applied by the user. This curved geometry also makes the push member more resistant to damage from rough handling by piglets, as the rounded surface is less likely to break or have sharp edges that could be damaged. The curvature distributes stress more evenly during both user operation and animal interaction.
4Ease of operation
If a traditional fastening device is used, then it may secure the object, but it is difficult to wash and disinfect in dirty agricultural environments
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components (anchor, engaging member, biasing member, push member) that can be easily separated for washing and disinfection. Each component has a simple geometry without hidden crevices or complex mechanisms, making them easy to clean thoroughly in agricultural environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member and push member are designed with smooth, uniform surfaces that are easy to clean. The biasing member uses a standard compression spring that can be easily disassembled and cleaned. This homogeneous design approach across components ensures all parts can be efficiently washed and disinfected.
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 fastener system is easy to operate, durable, dependable, and easy to wash and disinfect, providing a secure attachment that can withstand the rigors of agricultural environments while allowing for quick release and reattachment.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member is a compression spring having a first end and a second end, and the first biasing member seat is configured to seat the first end of the compression spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for securing a first object to a second object includes a push member, a rigid shaft, an engaging member, a biasing member, and an anchor. The push member and the anchor are fixed to opposite ends of the rigid shaft. The engaging member is slideably coupled to the rigid shaft between the push member and the anchor. The biasing member is disposed between the push member and the engaging member to urge the engaging member toward the anchor. In a particular embodiment, the anchor is deployable.