Flexible Snap Fastener Structure for Variable Opening Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners are limited in application due to being designed for specific sizes, leading to ineffective engagement with differently sized openings, resulting in noise, wear, and reduced service life, and are difficult to deploy without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a central shank with diametrically opposite snaps and flexible lateral extensions that flex to accommodate various sizes, providing a retention force and a clicking confirmation of installation, allowing secure locking without substantial force and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fasteners are designed for specific sizes, then they provide secure engagement for that specific size, but they become ineffective and cause damage when used with differently sized openings
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates flexible lateral extensions that can change their dimensional parameters (width, curvature) to adapt to different opening sizes. The extensions flex inward during insertion and then spring outward to engage with the opening edges, providing reliable engagement across a range of sizes without requiring multiple fastener variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, flexible structure. The lateral extensions are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to deform during insertion and then spring back to provide engagement. This dynamic behavior enables the same fastener to accommodate varying opening sizes while maintaining secure engagement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners are inserted with substantial force, then they achieve engagement, but they cause damage and wear to both the fastener and the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener uses flexible lateral extensions instead of rigid structures. These extensions can bend and flex during insertion, allowing the fastener to navigate through openings without requiring substantial insertion force. The flexibility prevents damage to both the fastener and the opening edges while still providing secure engagement once installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lateral extensions act as a cushioning mechanism during insertion. Rather than rigidly impacting the opening edges, the extensions flexibly absorb the insertion forces and gradually engage with the opening, preventing sudden impacts that would cause damage or wear to both the fastener and the opening.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional fasteners are designed for a single size, then they provide precise engagement for that size, but they require multiple variants for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed as a universal component that can function with multiple opening sizes through its flexible lateral extensions. Instead of requiring separate fastener variants for different sizes, this single design adapts to various dimensions while maintaining precise engagement through the spring-back action of the flexible extensions.
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
Enables secure fastening across a range of sizes without damage, reducing noise and wear, and providing a durable solution with improved assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible lateral extension positioned circumferentially offset with respect to the at least two snaps... that flex to accommodate various sizes, providing a retention force
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fastener. The fastener includes a head portion, a nose positioned longitudinally opposite to the head portion, and a central shank connecting the head portion and the nose, wherein the central shank extends along a central longitudinal axis of the fastener. The fastener includes at least two snaps connected to the central shank as being diametrically opposite to each other about the central shank, in which each of the at least two snaps is to flex towards and away from the central longitudinal axis of the central shank to create a first biasing force. Further, the fastener includes at least two lateral members connected to the central shank as being diametrically opposite to each other about the central shank.