Elastic Fastener Structure for Low-Load Through-Hole Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners require excessive force to remove from through holes, leading to potential deformation or rupture, and lack a structure to minimize load during removal.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a base portion and elastic pieces that deform elastically to engage with through holes, with controlled deformation directions to minimize engagement cancellation and prevent buckling or rupture, allowing reusable removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pillar tilts in a constant direction to cancel engagement, then the anchor can be removed, but the load on the anchor during removal is excessive and cannot be reduced further
Solution Approach 1:
The fitted portion is segmented into multiple functional components: a base portion and multiple elastic pieces (first and second elastic pieces) arranged at different positions and orientations. This segmentation allows each elastic piece to deform independently in different directions, distributing the removal load across multiple elements rather than concentrating it on a single pillar, thereby reducing the overall load required for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-direction tilting (one-dimensional deformation) to multi-directional elastic deformation. The first elastic pieces deform in a first direction while the second elastic pieces deform in a second direction different from the first. This multi-dimensional deformation approach allows engagement cancellation through combined lateral and longitudinal displacement, reducing the force required in any single direction.
2Ease of operation
If the elastic piece deforms significantly to cancel engagement, then the fastener can be removed, but the elastic piece may buckle or rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The fitted portion is segmented into multiple functional components: a base portion and multiple elastic pieces (first and second elastic pieces) arranged at different positions and orientations. This segmentation allows each elastic piece to deform independently in different directions, distributing the removal load across multiple elements rather than concentrating it on a single pillar, thereby reducing the overall load required for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutting portion on the base portion is positioned to abut against the elastic pieces during the insertion process. This beforehand cushioning provides a stop that prevents excessive deformation of the elastic pieces during normal operation. During removal, the elastic pieces deform elastically within safe limits and then return to their original positions, preventing buckling or rupture while still enabling engagement cancellation.
3Ease of operation
If the pillar deforms by a predetermined amount to cancel engagement, then the anchor can be removed, but the structure cannot be optimized further to reduce load
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the elastic pieces, includes abutting portions that contact the elastic pieces during insertion to provide preliminary cushioning, and features engagement portions that interact with the through hole. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining structural efficiency while enabling the complex multi-directional deformation behavior needed for load reduction.
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 effectively reduces the load required for removal from through holes, preventing deformation and enabling reusable fastening.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic piece that is disposed on a side of the base portion, that is configured to allow insertion of the fitted portion into the through hole by elastic deformation in a direction of approaching the base portion
Implementation Method 2
to engage with the through hole at an insertion point of the insertion by elastic return in an end position of the insertion
Implementation Method 3
when the force in the pulling-out direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, the elastic piece bends in a direction toward a central axis of the fitted portion on an inner side relative to the abutting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener includes a fitted portion having an elastic piece that is disposed on a side of a base portion configured to allow insertion of the fitted portion into a through hole by elastic deformation in a direction of approaching a base portion and to engage the through hole at an insertion point of the insertion by elastic return in an end position of the insertion, and that is configured to, if force in a direction of pulling out the fitted portion from the through hole is applied, cause the elastic deformation in the approaching direction. The base portion includes an abutting portion abutting on the elastic piece if the force in the pulling-out direction is applied, and, if the force in the pulling-out direction is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, the elastic piece bends in a direction toward a central axis of the fitted portion.