Fastener Pivoting Element Blocks Safety Bolt Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screw connections for attaching cover elements to surrounding structures are slow to assemble and disassemble, lack a quick visual check for correct torque application, and existing quick-release fasteners provide limited mechanical safety and visual recognition of the connection state.
Innovation Solution
A closure system combining a pivoting clamping lever with a rotary compression mechanism, featuring a pivoting pressure plate and swan-neck-shaped web, which ensures correct connection by blocking the path for safety bolts unless the closure is properly aligned, providing a second mechanical safety level and visual confirmation of the closed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional screw connections are used for attaching cover elements, then the connection is simple and inexpensive, but the assembly and disassembly process is slow and lacks visual verification capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change appearance or position to indicate the connection state. The closure mechanism includes visual verification elements that allow operators to quickly determine whether the cover element is properly secured, eliminating the need for complex torque measurement tools while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is divided into distinct functional components: the closure member, the cover element with opening, and the visual verification mechanism. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly/disassembly while maintaining independent verification capability, as each component performs its specific function without interfering with others.
2Ease of operation
If existing quick-release fasteners are used, then rapid handling is enabled, but mechanical safety is limited to one level and visual recognition of connection state is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked positions. The mechanism includes movable components that automatically engage disengagement features when actuated, enabling rapid operation while maintaining multiple mechanical safety levels through the interaction of moving parts and spring-loaded elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as the disengagement feature and spring mechanism that mediate between the operator's action and the final locking state. These intermediary elements ensure that rapid handling does not compromise safety, as they provide controlled transition and verification mechanisms between states.
3Reliability
If a closure mechanism is designed with integrated pivoting element and spring assembly, then mechanical safety is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into integrated components. The spring assembly serves both as a forcing mechanism to maintain engagement and as a safety feature to ensure proper seating. The pivoting element integrates both the locking action and the visual indication function, reducing the need for separate components while maintaining multiple safety levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The closure member provides both the locking function and the visual indication function. The spring assembly provides both the forcing action and the safety verification function. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced mechanical safety.
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 closure system ensures secure and rapid attachment with integrated mechanical safety, preventing malfunctions due to incorrect operation and allowing visual verification of the closed position from a distance, enhancing the reliability of the connection.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly which exerts a forcing action on the pressure plate in the blocking initial position and into which the pressure plate can be pivoted against the force of the spring assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastener (10) for releasably connecting a cover element to an surrounding structure with a clamping lever (12), which is pivotably connected to an anchor (16) such that the cover element can be connected to the surrounding structure by pivoting the clamping lever (12), wherein the clamping lever (12) can be secured in the closed state by a locking bolt (38) that can be inserted through openings (36) provided in its side walls. According to the invention, a pivoting element (26), which can be pivoted when the cover element is closed, can be pivoted out of a position in which it blocks the path between the openings (36) provided in the side walls of the clamping lever (12). This creates an integrated, genuine second mechanical locking level, which completely prevents malfunction due to incorrect operation of the fastener (10).