Elastic Fixing Elements for Adjustable Fitting Holder Spacers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fitting holders face challenges in easily and reliably adjusting the distance between the holding plate and the fitting part, as loose spacer plates can slip or fall out during assembly, and previous solutions require precise shaping and lose pretension upon multiple assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A fitting holder with elastically deformable fixing elements that are non-positively and/or positively secured against rotation in fastening openings, allowing for secure and easy installation and removal of spacer elements, and optionally using through-holes and elastic ribs for additional fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If loose spacer plates are used to adjust the distance between the holding plate and fitting part, then the distance adjustment is possible, but the spacer plates slip or fall out during assembly making the process tedious and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidreliability of spacer fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer element is segmented into a first spacer element with a first fixing element for attachment to the holding plate, and a second spacer element with a second fixing element for attachment to the first spacer element. This segmentation allows each spacer element to be independently secured, preventing slippage while maintaining ease of assembly through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements are pre-configured on the spacer elements during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate fixation steps during assembly. The elastic deformation mechanism is pre-designed into the fixing elements, allowing them to automatically engage with the fastening openings when the spacer elements are inserted, making the assembly process simple and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If spacer elements are securely fixed to the holding plate, then the distance adjustment is reliable, but the fixing elements lose pretension during initial assembly preventing multiple assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of spacer fixationVSAvoidreusability of fixing elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their state during assembly and disassembly. The elastic deformation enables the fixing elements to be inserted into fastening openings with slight interference, securely fix the spacer elements during assembly, and then recover their shape to allow removal and reuse multiple times without losing pretension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements utilize elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. During assembly, the fixing elements are elastically deformed to fit into the fastening openings, providing secure fixation. During disassembly, the elastic recovery reverses the deformation, allowing removal while maintaining the pretension and structural integrity for subsequent reuse cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the cross section of the fixing element is slightly larger than the fastening opening, then the spacer elements are securely fixed, but the elastic deformation required for insertion increases assembly force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of spacer fixationVSAvoidinsertion force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic deformability is localized to specific regions of the fixing elements, such as ribs or flexible sections, while other parts maintain their structural strength. This local quality approach allows the fixing elements to deform elastically during insertion with minimal force, then provide secure fixation once engaged with the fastening openings, balancing ease of insertion with reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables simple and reliable adjustment of the distance between the holding plate and the fitting part, allowing for multiple assembly and disassembly without losing pretension, ensuring secure fixation and adaptability to various frame geometries.

Implementation Method 1

the fixing elements are elastically deformable and non-positively and/or positively secured against rotation in the respective fixing opening, wherein a cross section of the respective fixing element is slightly larger than the respective fixing opening, the fixing element being elastically deformed by being pushed into the fixing opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3115533B1Fitting holder and assembly of a first fitting part of a fitting on a fitting holder
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 BARTELS SYSTEMBESCHLAEGE GMBH
  • EP3115533B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3115533B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3115533B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fitting holder for securing a first fitting part (22) of a fitting (11) to a frame (17), comprising: - a retaining plate (1) attachable to the frame (17) with a recess (10) for receiving a receiving part (25) of the first fitting part (22), - first spacer elements (6) attachable to the retaining plate (1), - wherein the retaining plate (1) has fastening openings (3) in which fixing elements (7) arranged on the first spacer elements (6) are provided for securing the spacer elements (6) to the retaining plate (1), wherein - the fixing elements (7) are elastically deformable and can be secured against rotation in the respective fastening opening (3) by force and/or form locking. Furthermore, an arrangement of a first fitting part (22) of a fitting (11) on a fitting holder is described.