Double-Effect Fastener for P-Trap Cover Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing P-trap insulating systems lack a secure, quick, and aesthetically pleasing fastening method that allows for preassembly and temporary engagement to prevent distortion during transportation and ensure accurate alignment on pipe sections.
Innovation Solution
A rigid fastener with a double-effect engagement portion, featuring a smaller outer diameter and larger inner diameter sections with circumferentially extending barb-like retaining elements, paired with recesses in the cover member, enabling secure and temporary engagement to prevent distortion and facilitate easy alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If common ratchet-acting plastic bands or threaded bolts are used to secure the cover piece, then the fastening is achieved, but the application process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first engagement portion with retaining elements for initial attachment, and a second engagement portion with different retaining elements for final securement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, simplifying the overall application process while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The first engagement portion with its retaining elements performs a preliminary attachment function, holding the cover piece in position during installation. This preliminary action enables subsequent alignment and preparation before the second engagement portion provides final securement, breaking down the fastening process into manageable stages.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cover piece is transported without preassembly, then transportation is simpler, but distortion from normal shape occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cover piece can be preassembled with the fastener using the first engagement portion before transportation. This preliminary assembly maintains the cover piece's normal shape and prevents distortion during handling and storage, while the modular fastener design keeps the preassembly process simple and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener provides localized engagement at specific portions of the cover piece through its retaining elements. This localized quality allows selective preassembly at critical areas that need shape maintenance during transportation, without requiring complete assembly of the entire cover piece structure.
3Strength
If the fastener provides strong securement, then the cover piece is firmly attached, but the fastening process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening strength is segmented into two stages: the first engagement portion provides initial holding strength with its retaining elements, and the second engagement portion provides final securement strength with its different retaining elements. This segmentation allows quick initial attachment followed by faster final securement, reducing total application time while maintaining overall fastening strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The first engagement portion provides partial securement that is sufficient for positioning and alignment, allowing the installation process to proceed without requiring full securement strength immediately. The second engagement portion then completes the fastening, providing the excessive strength needed for long-term security without requiring the full strength to be applied from the beginning.
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid fastener, for securing to one another adjacent portions of a cover member made of resiliently deformable material, has an end portion with an outward end section of relatively small outside diameter and an axially adjacent inward section of relatively large outside diameter. The end portion of the fastener is engagable in either of two positions in a corresponding recess formed into at least one of the adjacent portions of the cover piece, affording a high level of holding power in its fully inserted position and affording a low level of holding power in a partially inserted position.