Flipper Screw Snap Mechanism for Tool-Free Web Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flipper screws require tools for replacing webs, making it difficult for users to replace them manually during underwater activities.
Innovation Solution
The flipper screw design replaces anti-slip screws with upper and lower covers featuring snap portions, allowing them to be snapped into adjacent screw holes without sliding, enabling tool-free web replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional non-slip screws are used to fix webs, then the screw structure is simple and reliable, but tools are required for replacement and manual replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The screw assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a screw body with threaded portion for engagement, a head portion with operating portions for tool-free operation, and a snap portion for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling tool-free web replacement through the operating portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw assembly incorporates self-service features through the operating portions (such as integrated wrenches or grip areas) that allow users to tighten and loosen the screw without external tools. The snap portion also provides self-locking functionality, maintaining the connection without requiring additional fastening mechanisms.
2Reliability
If non-slip screws are used, then the connection is secure, but the screw body can slide off during manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion is designed with asymmetric features including the snap portion that engages with the rib of the adjacent screw hole, and operating portions that provide grip areas. This asymmetric design prevents the screw body from rotating or sliding off during manual handling while maintaining secure connection through the threaded engagement and snap mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap portion acts as an intermediary element between the screw assembly and the rib of the adjacent screw hole. This snap portion engages with the rib to prevent the screw body from sliding off, providing a mechanical interface that secures the assembly during both installation and manual handling operations.
3Ease of operation
If traditional screws are used, then the structure is simple, but web replacement requires tools and cannot be done by hand
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portions are merged with the head portion of the screw assembly, integrating the fastening and loosening functions directly into the screw structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate tools by incorporating grip areas or wrench interfaces that can be manually operated, allowing tool-free web replacement while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The head portion serves multiple functions: it provides the operating portions for manual tightening and loosening, contains the snap portion for securing, and maintains the structural connection point. This multi-functionality allows the single assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components and tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A flipper screw includes a lower cover with a screw and a lower cover with nut, and it is used for fixing the web by replacing the anti-slip screw. The upper cover and the lower cover are provided with plural snap portion, which can be snapped in the rib around the screw hole, so as to avoid the web accidentally being released from the flipper.