Elongatable Fastening Element for Secure Vibration-Damping Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements often transfer vibrations, oscillations, and shocks between components and can be cumbersome to install, especially in high-volume applications like aircraft, where they may require complex clip or snap connections.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with an elastically deformable body and an elongated actuating member that can be easily installed by elongating to reduce diameter for insertion and then expanding to form a secure, form-fit connection, offering vibration damping and insulation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening elements are used for clip connection or snap connection, then a secure connection between components is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element utilizes dynamic deformation of the elastic body, transitioning between elongated (insertion) and re-deformed (locked) states. The body is configured to be elongated by moving the actuating member further into the body and applying a corresponding load onto the body. Further, the body is configured to elastically deform back by moving the actuating member further out of the body and releasing the load applied thereto
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element changes its physical parameters during installation - specifically, the outer diameter of the body is reduced when elongated to facilitate insertion, then returns to its original larger diameter when re-deformed to create the secure connection. The body is configured to have a smaller outer diameter when correspondingly elongated than when non-elongated and/or deformed back
2Strength
If rigid fastening elements are used to ensure structural strength, then connection strength is improved, but vibration and shock transfer between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element changes its physical parameters during installation - specifically, the outer diameter of the body is reduced when elongated to facilitate insertion, then returns to its original larger diameter when re-deformed to create the secure connection. The body is configured to have a smaller outer diameter when correspondingly elongated than when non-elongated and/or deformed back
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element combines an elastic body with an actuating member to create a composite structure that provides both secure mechanical connection and vibration damping. The elastic body serves multiple functions including structural connection and vibration isolation
3Reliability
If complex multi-step installation procedures are used to ensure proper fastening, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is pre-configured with the actuating member positioned to apply load to the elastic body, which is already in an elongated state ready for insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex multi-step installation procedures during actual fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element utilizes dynamic deformation of the elastic body, transitioning between elongated (insertion) and re-deformed (locked) states. The body is configured to be elongated by moving the actuating member further into the body and applying a corresponding load onto the body. Further, the body is configured to elastically deform back by moving the actuating member further out of the body and releasing the load applied thereto
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 provides a simple, robust, and efficient fastening method that is easy to install, reduces vibration transfer, and offers insulation and shock absorption, while maintaining structural integrity and compliance with fire, smoke, and toxicity standards.
Implementation Method 1
The body is configured to be elongated by moving the actuating member further into the body and applying a corresponding load onto the body. Further, the body is configured to elastically deform back by moving the actuating member further out of the body and releasing the load applied thereto.
Implementation Method 2
Due to the elastic body, i.e. the elastically deformable body, the fastening element may also serve for vibration damping, shock absorbing, sound insulation, heat insulation, or the like.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fastening element (100) for fastening a first component (10) to a second component (20). The fastening element (100 comprises an elastically deformable body (110) and an elongated actuating member (120). The actuating member (120) is movably guided relative to the body (110) to be selectively movable further into or further out of the body (110). The body (110) is configured to be elongated by moving the actuating member (120) further into the body (110) and applying a corresponding load onto the body (110) and to elastically deform back by moving the actuating member (120) further out of the body (110) and releasing the load applied thereto. Further, the body (110) is configured to have a smaller outer diameter (D2) when correspondingly elongated than when non-elongated and/or deformed back.