Hollow Dowel With Spirally Protruding Spring Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dowel elements for attaching objects are either complex to produce or expensive, and they do not provide a simple and reliable method for fastening objects together.
Innovation Solution
A dowel element with elastically yielding spring elements that protrude into a receiving space when mounted, allowing for easy and reliable connection by a fastening element, featuring a base body that can be a hollow cylinder with spirally protruding spring elements for latching and anchoring, and optional locking elements for prestressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional dowel elements are used, then fastening function is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The dowel element is divided into functionally distinct components: a base body for structural support and multiple spring elements for fastening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard spring manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are designed to automatically engage with fastening elements through their elastic properties, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex assembly procedures. The springs self-adjust to accommodate tolerances and provide consistent fastening force without requiring precision adjustment during manufacturing.
2Reliability
If simple dowel elements are used, then manufacturing is easy, but fastening reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide elastic engagement with fastening elements, accommodate manufacturing tolerances, provide continuous fastening force, and enable easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality achieves high fastening reliability without requiring additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter to achieve reliable fastening. By designing the springs with appropriate material properties, wire diameters, and coil configurations, the system accommodates variable loading conditions and tolerance ranges while maintaining consistent fastening performance across different assembly scenarios.
3Reliability
If spring elements project into receiving space, then fastening becomes reliable, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable within their elastic range, allowing them to accommodate variations in projection length and positioning. This dynamic capability compensates for manufacturing tolerances in spring fabrication and installation, maintaining reliable fastening engagement without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-formed with their final geometric configuration and elastic properties during manufacturing, ensuring consistent performance before installation. This preliminary preparation of spring characteristics reduces the precision requirements during the actual assembly process, as the springs self-adjust to achieve proper engagement.
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
Enables simple, reliable, and cost-effective fastening of objects by using the dowel element's spring elements to securely engage fastening elements, providing a strong and adjustable connection.
Implementation Method 1
the base body includes one or more elastically compliant spring elements, which are formed by one or more wall sections of the base body that project spirally into the receiving space when the dowel element is mounted
Data Source
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AI summary
The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a dowel element for fastening an object to a further object that is simple and economical to produce and enables simple and reliable fastening of an object to a further object. This problem is solved in that the dowel element comprises a main body that is hollow at least in some segments and that surrounds an accommodating space for accommodating a fastening element, wherein the main body comprises one or more elastically yielding spring elements, which are formed by one or more wall segments of the main body, which protrude into the accommodating space in an installed state of the dowel element.