Hammerhead Fastening for Self-Aligning Undercut Groove Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices, such as hammer head screws, require time-consuming alignment and angular positioning to engage with undercut grooves, making the assembly process complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device featuring a hammer head element with alignment contours that can be rotated independently of its axis, allowing for easy insertion into an undercut groove without prior alignment, using a hammer head nut or screw design with a friction-increasing layer for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hammerhead screw is used to engage with an undercut groove, then the fastening device can be securely fixed to the component, but time-consuming alignment and angular positioning are required before insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The hammerhead element incorporates asymmetric alignment contours (chamfers) on its insertion end that are point-symmetric to the axis. These contours are designed to match the geometry of the undercut groove, enabling the element to be rotated into proper alignment simply by pressing it onto the groove without requiring pre-alignment of the fastening device.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment contours on the hammerhead element enable self-alignment during insertion. When the hammerhead element is pressed onto the undercut groove, the alignment contours automatically guide the rotation and positioning of the element, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or procedures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hammerhead screw with fixed angular position is used, then the fastening device maintains stable engagement with the groove, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The point-symmetric alignment contours create a geometric relationship where the hammerhead element naturally rotates to engage the undercut groove at the correct angle. This asymmetric design simplifies the assembly process while maintaining stable engagement, as the element self-positions during insertion rather than requiring pre-alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment contours enable the hammerhead element to self-align and self-position during the insertion process. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized tools, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring stable engagement.
3Manufacturing precision
If prior alignment within a predefined angle is required, then the fastening device can engage the groove correctly, but the assembly process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment contours on the hammerhead element perform the alignment function automatically during insertion. When pressed onto the undercut groove, the element self-rotates to the correct angular position without requiring external alignment actions, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while dramatically improving assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment contours are pre-formed on the hammerhead element during manufacturing, embedding the alignment function into the component itself. This preliminary action eliminates the need for alignment operations during assembly, as the alignment capability is already built into the fastening device.
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
Facilitates quick, cost-effective assembly by eliminating the need for prior alignment, enabling easy and reliable fixation of components regardless of rotational position, thus simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the alignment contours are designed such that, when pressed against the groove, they ensure a fully immersible alignment of the hammerhead element with the groove, regardless of the groove's rotational position around its axis
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1e
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening arrangement (1) - with a first component (3) which has an undercut groove (2), - with a second component (5) which has a through opening (4), - wherein the second component (5) can be fixed on the first component (3) via a fastening device (6) which is guided through the through opening (4) of said second component (5) and engages substantially perpendicularly into the groove (2). It is essential to the invention here - that the fastening device (6) has a hammer head element (8) and a holding element (9) which can be screwed to the latter, - that the hammer head element (8) has orienting contours (10) on a side which faces the groove (2), which orienting contours (10) are configured in such a way that, in the case of being pressed onto the groove (2), they set an orientation of the hammer head element (8) with respect to the groove (2) such that it can dip into it independently of the rotary position of the hammer head element (8). As a result, the assembly of the fastening arrangement (1) can be considerably facilitated.