Expandable Rivet Fastener for Secure Panel Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners fail to allow for level or height adjustments between two pieces without losing support and grip, requiring time-consuming and skill-intensive methods like using wood shims or making cuts to access the back of a panel, which are impractical in many situations.
Innovation Solution
A fastener device with a locking system that allows height adjustments by using extendable retractable arms and an internal channel for liquid injection, enabling secure leveling without accessing the back of the panel, and incorporating features like a serrated flange and pivotable hinges for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fasteners are used to attach two pieces together, then the pieces are securely held in place, but level or height adjustments cannot be made without losing support and grip
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the fastener body to move relative to the panel along the fastener axis. This dynamic capability enables leveling adjustments while maintaining secure attachment through the expandable rivet that locks into the panel, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability for leveling and reliability for secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for attachment, a body portion for adjustment movements, and an expandable rivet portion for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the body can adjust position while the rivet maintains secure grip, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and secure holding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wood shims or other materials are introduced to fill gaps for leveling, then height adjustments can be achieved, but the process becomes very time consuming and requires accessing the back of the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates an integrated adjustment mechanism that performs leveling functions automatically through the expandable rivet system. The rivet can be expanded and contracted to self-adjust the position and level of the panel without requiring external shims or manual intervention at the back of the panel, thus eliminating time consumption and the need for back access.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener merges multiple functions into a single device: attachment, leveling adjustment, and securing all occur through one integrated mechanism. The expandable rivet simultaneously provides both the adjustment capability and the secure locking function, eliminating the need for separate shimming operations and back access.
3Ease of operation
If holes or cuts are made in the panel to access the back for leveling adjustments, then positioning adjustments can be made, but the panel structure is compromised and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted from the panel structure itself and integrated into the fastener device. The expandable rivet provides all necessary adjustment capabilities within the fastener body, eliminating the need to extract or modify the panel structure through holes or cuts, thus simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If current fasteners are used that only provide compression and adjacency, then pieces are held together, but separation or level adjustment causes loss of compression and grip
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the fastener have specialized local qualities: the head portion provides compression, the body portion enables adjustment movements, and the expandable rivet portion provides secure locking grip. This local specialization allows each region to perform its optimal function - adjustment where needed and secure gripping where required - resolving the contradiction between adjustability and maintaining strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener employs asymmetric design where the expandable rivet creates unequal forces - a locking expansion force that secures the panel while allowing controlled adjustment movement in a specific direction. This asymmetric force distribution enables adjustment capability while maintaining strong gripping strength, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and attachment strength.
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 quick and secure leveling adjustments between pieces, reducing time and material usage while maintaining grip, suitable for applications like panel installations and medical bone adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable portion disposed between the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion wherein the deformable portion expands radially outward when the distal tube portion is drawn toward the proximal tube portion of the cylindrical tube
Implementation Method 2
a threaded portion having fastener threads extending from a fastener tip disposed on a second end of the cylindrical shank body opposite the first end to a mid-portion of the cylindrical shank body between the first end and the second end of the cylindrical shank body
Implementation Method 3
a central channel extending axially along a central axis of the cylindrical shank body from the fastener head of the cylindrical shank body to at least the mid-portion of the cylindrical shank body
Data Source
AI summary
A leveling fastener for adjustably securing a first member to a second member. The leveling fastener includes a cylindrical shank body having a fastener head disposed on a first end and includes a threaded portion having fastener threads extending from a fastener tip to a mid-portion of the cylindrical shank body. The cylindrical shank body includes a leveling portion extending between the fastener head and the threaded portion and a central channel extending axially along a central axis of the cylindrical shank body from the fastener head of the cylindrical shank body to at least the mid-portion of the cylindrical shank body. The leveling fastener includes a collar adjustable from a retracted position wherein the collar has a first diameter to an expanded position wherein the collar has a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the collar translatable along the leveling portion of the cylindrical shank body.