Half-Thread Screw and Anchor Assembly for Tool-Free Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastener and anchor assemblies require tools for installation and removal, necessitating strength and tool usage, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A screw and anchor assembly design featuring half-circular fins on one side of both the male fastener and female anchor, allowing for tool-free installation and 180-degree unlocking for easy removal without damaging the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screwdriver-assisted installation is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but tool dependency and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener features asymmetric threading with threads on only one side of the cylindrical body, allowing directional insertion into the anchor while preventing removal without tools. The anchor has corresponding asymmetric internal threading that receives the fastener's threads on one side only, enabling secure one-way fastening that is reliable yet easily installed and removed by hand.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a screwdriver to drive the screw into the anchor and then requiring a screwdriver to remove it, the invention inverts the approach by designing the threading geometry itself to enable hand-operated insertion through directional engagement, while removal is achieved by simply pulling the fastener out along its insertion path without rotational tightening.
2Strength
If traditional threaded fasteners are used, then strong attachment is achieved, but removal difficulty and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threading is segmented to exist on only one side of the fastener's cylindrical body rather than encircling the entire circumference. This segmentation allows the fastener to engage the anchor's internal threads on one side only, creating strong attachment during insertion, while the unthreaded portion facilitates easy removal by allowing the fastener to be pulled straight out without rotational disengagement.
3Reliability
If full threading around the cylinder is used, then maximum engagement is achieved, but installation complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical fastener body features threads on only one side rather than full circumferential threading, creating an asymmetric geometry that simplifies the threading structure while maintaining reliable engagement. The anchor's internal threading is similarly asymmetric, with recesses that receive the fastener's one-sided threads, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable engagement during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A screw and anchor assembly include a male fastener and a female anchor. The male fastener only has threads or half-circular fins on half of the surface area. The other half is just like a regular cylinder. The female anchor only has threads or half-circular fins on half of the inner surface area. The other half is just like the inner wall of a regular cylinder. The user may push the male fastener into the female anchor, so the half-circular fins on the male fastener engages with the half-circular fins inside the female anchor and locks the male fastener to the female anchor. When the user needs to remove the male fastener, simply turns the male fastener 180 degrees and disengages the half-circular fins on the male fastener from the half-circular fins on the female anchor, then pull the male fastener from the female anchor.