Fastening assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for securing items like toilet seats to toilet bowls can result in over-torquing or under-torquing, leading to damage or insecure connections, and lack a mechanism to indicate the correct torque application.
Innovation Solution
A fastening assembly with a shear segment that breaks at the desired torque, combined with a lever arm that can rotate relative to the fastener, allowing controlled torque application and indicating when the correct tightening is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fastening system is used without torque control, then the fastening process is simple, but over-torquing or under-torquing occurs leading to damage or insecure connections
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple segments including a drive portion, a bypass portion, and a shear segment. The shear segment is designed to break at a predetermined torque, providing automatic torque control. This segmentation allows the system to indicate when correct torque is applied without requiring complex external torque control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear segment is designed as a disposable component that breaks after serving its purpose of indicating correct torque application. Once the shear segment breaks, it has fulfilled its function and can be discarded, while the remaining fastener components continue to provide the fastening function. This approach provides torque control without requiring expensive reusable torque control mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a fastening system without torque indication is used, then the device is simpler, but there is no clear indication of proper tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm provides a visual indication through its position relative to the fastener. When the shear segment breaks at the predetermined torque, the lever arm moves to a specific position that clearly indicates proper tightening has been achieved. This visual feedback mechanism provides precise torque measurement without requiring complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system performs its own torque measurement and indication function through the shear segment and lever arm mechanism. The system automatically indicates when correct torque is applied without requiring external measurement devices or complex control systems, making the fastener itself serve the measurement function.
3Ease of operation
If a fastening system without torque control is used, then the operation is easier, but over-torquing or under-torquing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm provides immediate visual feedback to the operator about the torque application status. When the shear segment breaks at the predetermined torque, the lever arm moves to indicate proper tightening. This feedback mechanism guides the operator to apply the correct amount of torque without requiring complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear segment is pre-designed with a predetermined break torque that is set during manufacturing. This preliminary action of pre-setting the torque threshold eliminates the need for complex real-time torque control during operation. The operator simply needs to tighten until the shear segment breaks and the lever arm indicates proper torque, making operation easy while ensuring reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening assembly may include a fastener having a threaded portion defined around a longitudinal axis, a drive portion, and a bypass portion. A fastening assembly may include a lever arm that is moveable along the longitudinal axis between a first state, in which the lever arm is interfaced with the drive portion, and a second state, in which the lever arm is interfaced with the bypass portion, wherein the lever arm is operable to rotate the fastener in the first state and operable to rotate relative to the fastener in the second state.