Multi-Stage Fastener Locking Arms for Variable Panel Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening apparatuses lack flexibility and reliability in securely fastening components of varying thicknesses and diameters, and often fail to ensure accurate positional alignment with carrier components.
Innovation Solution
A fastening apparatus with four locking arms, each having offset locking/centering stages with orthogonally arranged surfaces, allowing for adaptable engagement with different component openings and providing secure centering and locking capabilities, suitable for diameters between 0.6 mm and 7 mm, and capable of withstanding high pull-in and push-off forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fastening apparatus uses a single-stage locking element, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different thicknesses of carrier components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into multiple locking stages (first locking stage, second locking stage, etc.) arranged axially. Each stage can engage with carrier components of different thicknesses, allowing the fastening apparatus to accommodate varying component thicknesses while maintaining a unified structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking stages are arranged in the axial dimension rather than using complex radial adjustments. This dimensional arrangement allows the locking element to engage different thicknesses by selecting appropriate stages along the axial direction, simplifying the overall structure while enhancing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fastening apparatus uses locking arms with offset locking/centering stages, then it can accommodate different diameters and thicknesses, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function and centering function are merged into a single integrated locking element with both locking surfaces and centering surfaces. This unified design eliminates the need for separate locking and centering mechanisms, reducing overall structural complexity while providing multi-functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides locking engagement through locking surfaces, centering through centering surfaces, and adapts to different thicknesses through multiple locking stages. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the locking surfaces and centering surfaces are arranged orthogonally, then accurate positioning is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orthogonal arrangement of locking surfaces and centering surfaces creates independent functional zones that do not interfere with each other. The centering surfaces establish the positional baseline first, and the locking surfaces then engage perpendicular to this baseline, allowing each function to operate at its optimal tolerance level without compounding errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening apparatus includes a head element for abutting a first edge region of a component opening and an anchor foot element for rear engagement with a second edge region lying opposite the first edge region. The anchor foot element has a base section extending from the head element in axial direction and four locking arms arranged in pairs and connected to the base section. Each pair of locking arms is configured in order to be pivotable relative to an axial central plane of the fastening apparatus, and each pair of locking arms has locking/centering stages arranged offset from one another in axial direction. A locking/centering stage comprises a centering surface for centering the fastening apparatus relative to a component opening and a locking surface for rear engagement with a component opening. A locking surface and a centering surface of a locking/centering stage are arranged approximately orthogonally to one another.