Flexible Threaded Fastener for Easy Insertion and Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners with caps designed to protect exposed weld nuts or threaded elements from corrosion often face issues with ease of deployment and durability, as they either become easily detached or difficult to use, affecting ergonomic functionality and service life.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a shank with cantilevered limbs and flexible engagement members that allow low insertion force but high separation force, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without damage, and made from materials like polypropylene or polycarbonate for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is designed to be easily deployed, then ease of operation is improved, but the cap becomes easily detached and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener employs a dynamic design where the cap can be easily inserted but requires significant force to remove. The insertion process is simplified while the removal process is deliberately made difficult to prevent accidental detachment, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener utilizes material parameter changes, specifically employing polypropylene or polycarbonate materials that exhibit different mechanical properties during insertion versus removal. The material allows easy deformation during insertion but resists deformation during removal, achieving both easy deployment and high durability
2Reliability
If the cap is designed to be difficult to detach, then durability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener creates an asymmetric dynamic behavior where insertion is easy but removal is difficult. The structure allows one-way easy deployment while maintaining strong holding power, thus improving durability without permanently sacrificing ease of operation for the initial installation
Solution Approach 2:
The material selection of polypropylene or polycarbonate provides parameter changes that favor easy insertion but resistant removal. The material properties are specifically chosen to exhibit low resistance during insertion and high resistance during removal, resolving the contradiction
3Reliability
If the fastener is made for reusable assembly and disassembly, then durability is improved, but insertion force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener utilizes parameter changes in the material properties of polypropylene or polycarbonate to achieve low insertion force. The material is selected to be sufficiently compliant during insertion to require minimal force, yet durable enough to withstand multiple assembly and disassembly cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener employs dynamic structural features that allow easy insertion through temporary deformation, then lock into place for durable retention. The structure dynamically transitions from a compliant insertion state to a rigid retention state, enabling reusability without high insertion force
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 fastener allows for multiple cycles of assembly and disassembly without damage, maintaining ergonomic functionality and durability, while protecting the threaded element from corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement members can flex with respect to a shank of the fastener such that the engagement members can exhibit relative motion with respect to an internal threads of the threaded element during assembly and disassembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener has a head and a shank coupled to the head and extending along a central axis of the fastener. A plurality of engagement members are disposed on a peripheral surface of the shank and connected to the shank at a point of connection to project away from the shank. The plurality of engagement members can collectively act as external threads and are flexible with respect to the shank to be relatively moveable with respect to the shank.