Elastic Blade Fastener for Variable Plate Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening devices require high installation forces and are not suitable for plate-like elements with varying thicknesses or tolerances, and their production methods are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a foot featuring a core and elastic blades with oblique shoulders at different heights, allowing for a pull effect that reduces installation force and accommodating various thicknesses, combined with a production method involving injection molding and sealing material application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fastening devices with identical elastic blades are used, then the structure is simple, but high installation forces are required and they cannot accommodate plate-like elements with different thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each blade a different shoulder height configuration. Specifically, at least one blade has a first shoulder at a first height, while another blade has a second shoulder at a second height different from the first. This local differentiation in blade geometry allows the fastening device to adapt to varying plate thicknesses at different locations, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability to different thicknesses while reducing installation force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the shoulder height parameter among different blades. The shoulder height is a critical geometric parameter that determines the engagement depth and force distribution. By changing this parameter across different blades, the device can accommodate plates of different thicknesses and reduce the peak installation force required, as the force is distributed more evenly through the varying engagement depths.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fastening devices are used, then production methods are established, but the production process is complicated and insufficiently perfected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fastening device into modular components: a head, a foot, and multiple replaceable blades. The blades can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the foot, allowing for specialized blade production using optimized processes. This segmentation enables different production methods to be applied to different components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while improving productivity through parallel production of blade sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through the replaceable blade system. A single foot assembly can accommodate multiple blade types with different shoulder height configurations by simply replacing the blade set. This universal foot design simplifies production tooling and assembly processes, as the complex blade variations are produced separately and then interchangeably installed, rather than requiring different foot assemblies for each blade configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic blades with different shoulder heights are used, then adaptability to different thicknesses is achieved, but the blade structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue through segmentation by making the blades replaceable modular units. Each individual blade has a relatively simple structure with its specific shoulder height, but the ability to replace entire blade sets allows the system to achieve high adaptability. This segmentation prevents the complexity from being embedded in the permanent structure, instead making it a configurable parameter that can be changed by simple blade replacement rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
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 device requires low installation force and can be easily produced, effectively securing plate-like elements with different thicknesses while providing a uniform pull effect and secure sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the blades can be deformed elastically in the direction of the core such that they permit a holding force or engagement of the foot in the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device (100), for fastening to a plate-like element, has a head (110) and a foot (120). The foot (120) has: a core (121) extending from the head (110) along an axis of rotation; and at least one group of blades (122) which are elastic at least in regions and extend outwards from the core (121). Each of the blades (122) has an oblique shoulder (123) or a shoulder with a finely stepped gradation, formed on the outer edge of the corresponding blade (122), said outer edge being arranged towards the head (110). The oblique shoulder (123) or the individual steps of the gradation of the shoulder is inclined with a slope with respect to a plane which has the axis of rotation of the core as a perpendicular. The shoulders (123) of the blades are arranged at different heights from one another along the axis of rotation.