Hinged Retainer Assembly for Corrosion-Resistant Stud Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing structures to mounting surfaces, such as threaded studs and nuts, often develop corrosion over time, especially in salt-exposed environments, making separation difficult during servicing or repair.
Innovation Solution
A retainer assembly with a clip portion, flexible flanges, and a lock portion that includes a ring with a central opening, allowing for secure engagement and easy disengagement of the mounting stud, reducing corrosion and the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded studs and nuts are used to secure structures, then reliable attachment is achieved, but corrosion develops over time making separation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a clip portion with flexible flanges for engagement, a hinge portion for attachment to the structure, and a lock portion with a ring for securing the mounting stud. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling easy separation by releasing the lock portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly incorporates flexible flanges that can dynamically adjust during engagement and disengagement. The flexible hinge allows the retainer to pivot and adapt to positioning requirements, while the lock portion can be actively released to facilitate easy removal of the mounting stud without corrosion-related difficulties.
2Reliability
If multiple components (stud, nut, retainer) are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the clip portion provides engagement with the mounting stud, the hinge portion attaches to the structure, and the lock portion secures the assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate nuts and multiple fasteners, reducing component count while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mounting bracket, a fastening mechanism, and a locking device. The flexible flanges provide both structural support and engagement capability, while the lock portion integrates both securing and release functions, making the assembly versatile and reducing the need for additional specialized components.
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 retainer assembly provides a secure and corrosion-resistant solution for attaching structures to mounting surfaces, simplifying assembly and disassembly while reducing the risk of component loss and the need for costly installation equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible flange and a second flexible flange that each at least partially define a central retainer passage
Implementation Method 2
A flexible hinge connects the clip portion to a structure
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a clip portion which includes a first flexible flange and a second flexible flange that each at least partially define a central retainer passage. A flexible hinge connects the clip portion to a structure. A tab is located adjacent an opposite end of the clip portion from the flexible hinge.