Interlocking Grating Fastener Structure for Shear Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners for securing grating panels are prone to deformation under shear loads and involve material wastage and complexity in manufacturing due to their cross-shaped design, and require additional processes for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fastener comprising interlocking clip members with upwardly extending arm portions and hook portions, arranged horizontally and at angles, which are formed by stamping and punching to prevent deformation and simplify material usage, featuring a multi-layered structure for enhanced stability and a rotatable fastening element for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cross-shaped clip design with isolated arms is used, then the fastener can be formed from a single piece of material, but the clip is prone to deformation when shear load is applied to one arm
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into multiple independent clip members (first clip member and second clip member) that are locked together. Each clip member has its own arms that can independently bear shear loads, preventing deformation of the entire structure when one arm is loaded. The tab and aperture connections between clip members create a segmented but interconnected system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener combines multiple clip members made from the same material but arranged in a composite configuration. The first and second clip members work together as a composite structure, where the locked connection between them creates a stronger assembly that resists shear loads better than a single isolated clip.
2Device complexity
If a cross-shaped piece design is used, then the fastener structure is simple, but material waste occurs and laying out multiple pieces in a large sheet material becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional cross-shaped planar structure to a three-dimensional stacked configuration of multiple clip members. The first and second clip members are arranged horizontally along different directions and locked vertically, utilizing the third dimension to reduce material waste while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each clip member serves multiple functions: providing structural support, bearing shear loads, and interlocking with other clip members through tabs and apertures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and minimizes material waste.
3Ease of manufacture
If an adapter with larger end diameters than the body portion is used, then the adapter can be kept within the fastener, but additional pressing process is required to insert the adapter into the through hole
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into separate clip members that are locked together through tab and aperture connections, eliminating the need for an adapter component. This segmentation allows for simpler assembly without additional pressing processes while maintaining the ability to retain all components within the fastener structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fastener, includes a first clip member having a first base portion and two first arm portions that extend upwardly from two sides of the first base portion, a second clip member locked with the first clip member and having a second base portion and two second arm portions that extend upwardly from two sides of the second base portion, and at least one hook portion extending from a distal end of one of the first and second arm portions, wherein the first and second clip members are arranged horizontally along two different directions, the second base portion is positioned on the first base portion.