Integrated Fastening Structure With Visual Lock Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening structures for object detection devices, such as passive infrared ray detectors, require multiple components to prevent screw coming-off, increasing cost and labor complexity, and often necessitate visual confirmation for opening and closing, which is difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fastening structure that uses a single fastening member with a trunk portion, tool groove, come-off prevention portion, and helical protrusion to securely fasten two members by fitting into corresponding holes, allowing for easy visual confirmation of the fastening state through protrusion of the fastening member when rotated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used for screw come-off prevention, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastening member. This member includes a screw portion for fastening, a come-off prevention portion with greater radius to prevent unscrewing, and a tool groove for operation. By merging these functions into one component rather than using separate screws, washers, and lock nuts, the patent reduces component count while maintaining fastening reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the fastening action through the screw portion, prevents come-off through the enlarged come-off prevention portion, and enables tool operation through the integrated tool groove. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing complexity while achieving reliable fastening.
2Loss of information
If visual confirmation marks are used on the lid surface, then the fastening state can be confirmed, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the need for visual checking
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member provides self-indicating functionality through its own structure. The tool groove itself serves as the visual indicator - when the fastening member is in the fastened state, the tool groove is positioned in a specific location that is visually recognizable. This eliminates the need for separate marks on the lid surface, as the fastening member's own position and orientation provide the visual confirmation needed.
3Device complexity
If a single fastening member is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing come-off may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member features local quality variation through its geometric design. The come-off prevention portion has a greater radius than the screw portion, creating a localized geometric feature that prevents unscrewing. This local geometric modification provides the come-off prevention function without requiring additional components, maintaining reliability while reducing complexity.
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 fastening structure achieves secure fastening with a single component, improves ease of visual recognition of the fastening state, and reduces complexity and cost by eliminating the need for multiple components and visual confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening member has: a trunk portion having a cylindrical or columnar shape, between one end and another end of the fastening member; a tool groove at the one end; a come-off prevention portion at the other end, the come-off prevention portion having a greater radius in a cross-section thereof than a radius in a cross-section of the trunk portion; and a helical protrusion at a part of the trunk portion. The fitting portion has a helical groove configured to be screwed with the helical protrusion.
Data Source
AI summary
The fastening structure is fastening one member and another member via a fastening member, and includes: a fitting portion having a fitting hole; a to-be-fitted portion having a to-be-fitted hole; and the fastening member inserted into the fitting hole. The fastening member has: a trunk portion, between one end and another end of the fastening member; a tool groove at the one end; a come-off prevention portion at the other end, the come-off prevention portion having a greater radius than a radius; and a helical protrusion at a part of the trunk portion. The fitting portion has a helical groove configured to be screwed with the helical protrusion. A radius of the fitting hole is less than the radius of the come-off prevention portion, and a radius of the to-be-fitted hole is not less than the radius of the come-off prevention portion.