Fastenerless Twist-Lock Connection for 3D Printed Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing products, especially those requiring secondary components or complex assembly, face challenges with 3D printing limitations, such as enclosed cavities and the need for additional fasteners, which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fastenerless connection method using interconnectable components with non-circular, closed-geometric shapes and rotational twist action, allowing secure engagement without additional hardware, exemplified by a 3D printable facemask design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners (screws, adhesives, etc.) are used to connect components, then connection strength and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function directly into the component geometry itself. The first component includes integrated connection features (such as recesses, protrusions, or interlocking geometries) that directly engage with the second component, eliminating the need for separate fasteners. This integration maintains connection strength while reducing assembly complexity and part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are designed to self-connect through their inherent geometric features. The connection mechanism is built into the components themselves, allowing them to join without external fastening elements. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional hardware and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable connections.
2Volume of moving object
If enclosed cavities are used in 3D printed products to reduce volume and mass, then material usage and product size are reduced, but accessibility for inserting or removing secondary components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the product into multiple components, including the main body with enclosed cavities and separate secondary components. The connection features allow these segmented parts to be easily assembled and disassembled despite the enclosed nature of the cavities, maintaining both compact volume and component accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where secondary components fit within enclosed cavities of the main body. The connection features enable these nested components to be inserted and removed easily, maintaining the compact enclosed design while ensuring accessibility for maintenance or replacement.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used to create enclosable cavities, then accessibility for inserting or removing secondary components is improved, but the need for additional connection hardware increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural function of multiple components with the connection function into a single integrated design. The components feature built-in connection geometries that are part of their primary structure, eliminating the need for separate connection hardware while maintaining accessibility for inserting and removing secondary components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having components that are interconnectable without fasteners. A first component includes a male connection portion including a connection wall defining a non-circular, closed-geometric shape, and one or more grooves extending along a least a portion of an outer side of the connection wall. A second component includes a female connection portion including a capture wall defining a shape within which the connection wall fits in a first orientation and a second orientation. The second orientation is a fastened state achieved via a rotational twist action of the first component with respect to the second component. One or more protrusions extend inwardly from the capture wall. The one or more protrusions are sized to engage the one or more grooves of the connection wall of the first component when the connection wall is oriented in the second orientation within the capture wall.