Elastomeric Spacer Fastener for Mining Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener systems for connecting overlapping objects face challenges with retraction due to rust, debris, and wear, making it difficult and time-consuming to separate objects in extreme usage conditions, such as in mining and construction machinery.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly comprising a fastener with an arcuate seat engagement surface and a retainer, where the retainer includes an elastomeric spacer that elastically deforms to securely lock the fastener in place, preventing retraction by engaging with a passage between two bodies, allowing for easy insertion and secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used in extreme usage conditions, then the fasteners can initially connect objects securely, but over time rust, debris, and wear cause the fasteners to seize and become difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is divided into separate functional components: a fastener body for insertion, an elastomeric spacer for retention, and release features for removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling easy disassembly without the entire fastener seizing together.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric spacer provides dynamic retention through elastic deformation. When compressed between the first and second retainer parts, it maintains continuous contact pressure to hold the fastener securely during operation, yet can be dynamically released by overcoming the elastic force during removal, preventing permanent seizure.
2Strength
If wear components are securely fastened to protect against abrasion, then protection is effective, but the fasteners become difficult and time-consuming to remove for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system incorporates self-retaining features through the elastomeric spacer that automatically maintains secure attachment during operation without additional fastening steps. The elastic deformation provides continuous retention force, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms that would increase maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material properties allow the spacer to change its physical state between compressed (retention) and relaxed (release) conditions. This parameter change enables the fastener to transition from a securely locked state during operation to an easily removable state during maintenance, reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If the fastener is designed to lock securely in place, then retraction is prevented, but the fastener may become stuck and difficult to extract
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric spacer acts as an intermediary between the retainer parts and the fastener body. It provides the locking action through elastic compression while simultaneously serving as a release mechanism, as the spacer can be deformed to allow fastener extraction without the fastener becoming permanently stuck to the retainer parts.
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 solution enables quick and reliable coupling and decoupling of wear components, reducing time and resource wastage by ensuring the fastener remains securely locked in place despite wear and tear, facilitating efficient maintenance and replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric spacer is configured to elastically deform under compression of the first retainer part and the second retainer part
Data Source
AI summary
The present fastener assembly securely couples a first body to a second body, where the fastener assembly includes a fastener and a retainer. The fastener has an arcuate seat engagement surface and a retaining portion. The retainer has an elastomeric spacer separating and spanning between a first retainer part from a second retainer part, with the first retainer part including a latch engagement portion and the second retainer part including a fastener engagement portion. The elastomeric spacer is configured to elastically deform under compression of the first retainer part and the second retainer part. In use, the present fastener assembly is configured to be inserted into a passage delineated between a first body and a second body which are overlapping at least in part, to selectively lock the first body and the second body in the coupled configuration, with the retainer securing the fastener in an inserted configuration.