Eccentric Fastening Device for Variable Thickness Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind fasteners face challenges in adjusting to varying structure thicknesses, are difficult to remove and reuse, and lack versatility in attachment to different surfaces, particularly in blind applications where inspection is not possible.
Innovation Solution
An eccentric fastening device with a base and a rotary lug that can be inserted through a hole, rotated 180 degrees, and tightened with a nut or bolt to achieve variable clamping thickness, allowing for rapid installation and removal, and adjustable attachment to constant, variable, or stepped thickness surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing blind fasteners are used, then attachment support is provided, but adjustment to varying structure thickness is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a rotary element that can rotate between different positions to adjust the clamping thickness. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the fastener to adapt to varying structure thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple overall configuration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If existing blind fasteners are used, then attachment is achieved, but removal and reuse is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into separable components including a rotary element, clamping element, and retention mechanism. This segmentation allows the fastener to be easily removed and reused while maintaining secure attachment during use, as each component can be independently manipulated for installation and removal without compromising attachment reliability.
3Productivity
If existing blind fasteners are used, then fastening is achieved, but installation time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components are pre-configured and pre-assembled in specific orientations before installation. The rotary element is pre-positioned and the clamping element is pre-oriented, allowing for rapid installation without complex alignment procedures. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation time while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 eccentric fastening device enables rapid, secure, and reusable attachment and detachment from the top, accommodating various surface thicknesses, improving installation and removal processes while providing high strength and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary lug includes a cylindrical portion having a thread and a head, wherein the head is offset from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is substantially axially concentric with the hole of the base, allowing the head to be eccentrically rotated on or off of the stem
Data Source
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AI summary
The eccentric fastening device (20) includes a first threaded fastener (30), a base (22) and a rotary lug (24) providing a non-fastened pre-assembled position. The base includes a top (41), a bottom (38), a stem (36) and a hole (37), where the stem axially extends from the bottom of the base, and the hole axially extends from the top through the stem of the base. The rotary lug is releasably retained in the hole of the base by the first threaded fastener. The rotary lug includes a cylindrical portion (48) having a thread (59) and a head (50), wherein the head is offset from the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is substantially axially concentric with the hole of the base, allowing the head to be eccentrically rotated on or off of the stem, whereby a selective structure may be variably clamped and releasably retained between said head and said base. An aircraft having an eccentric fastening device is also provided. A method of installing the same is also provided.