Detent Spring Fastener for Variable-Thickness Rod Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements with stops to prevent overbending are not suitable for attaching to rods of different thicknesses, as they either prevent necessary slight overbending or require significant force, leading to permanent deformation, and additional parts increase production effort and costs.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with a detent spring connected to a dimensionally stable actuating tab and a limiting tab, where the tabs lie in the same plane in the second state, allowing the detent spring to bend sufficiently for release without overbending, enabling attachment to various rod thicknesses without permanent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stops are provided to prevent overbending of the detent spring, then the detent spring is protected from permanent deformation, but the fastening element cannot be attached to rods of different thicknesses and additional parts increase production effort and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting function is merged into the actuating tab itself by providing a limiting surface that defines the maximum bending position. This eliminates the need for separate stop components while maintaining protection against overbending, thereby preserving reliability while improving adaptability to different rod thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating tab is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator for releasing the latching engagement and simultaneously provides a limiting surface to prevent overbending. This multi-functionality allows the fastening element to accommodate rods of different thicknesses without requiring additional protective components.
2Reliability
If stops are provided to prevent overbending, then the detent spring is protected, but the structure becomes more complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting function is integrated into the actuating tab by providing a limiting surface on the tab itself. This merging of functions eliminates separate stop components, reducing device complexity and production costs while maintaining protection against overbending through the built-in limiting surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate stop component is extracted from the design and its function is transferred to the actuating tab through the limiting surface. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by eliminating unnecessary parts while preserving the essential protective function against overbending.
3Reliability
If stops are provided to prevent overbending, then the detent spring is protected, but manufacturing effort and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting function is combined with the actuating tab structure, eliminating the need for separate stop components. This reduces manufacturing effort and material costs while maintaining protection against overbending, as the limiting surface is formed as part of the tab during the same manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating tab is designed to perform multiple functions including actuation and limiting, which reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This multi-functionality simplifies production processes and reduces material costs while ensuring reliability through integrated overbending protection.
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 solution allows for secure attachment and easy removal of the fastening element from side rails of different thicknesses without overbending the detent spring, reducing material costs and production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a bending of the detent spring takes place... the detent spring is bent so far that the locking lug is not in locking engagement with the horizontal bar
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The element (1) has a bendable stop spring (2) comprising a detent (3) that stays in locking engagement with a horizontal rod in a secured condition of the element. The spring is connected with a form-stiff actuating latch (4) that lies adjacent to a boundary latch (6) in another condition of the element. The spring is bent for detaching the locking engagement of the detent from the rod in the latter condition such that the detent is not locked with the rod. A support section (8) lies on the rod, and a fastening latch (10) runs parallel to a side wall.