Hook-and-Locking Fastener for Dense Fabrics Without Tool Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-piece fasteners damage fabrics with dense meshes and require specialized tools for assembly, limiting their application to materials like socks and not being suitable for denser materials like woven fabrics, plastic, or paper.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with hook and locking members that allow secure interlocking without damaging the material, using pivotable locking members to enhance the locking effect and prevent detachment, allowing for use on denser materials without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a shank or pin is used to penetrate the fabric for fastening, then the fastening strength is improved, but the fabric is damaged by the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into two separate parts: a first part with hook members that penetrate the fabric, and a second part with locking members that receive the hooks. This segmentation allows the penetrating function to be isolated to small hook members rather than large pins, minimizing fabric damage while maintaining fastening strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a single pin penetrate through the fabric and lock on the other side, the invention inverts the approach by having small hook members penetrate and be received by larger locking members that remain outside the fabric, reversing the traditional penetration-locking sequence and reducing fabric intrusion.
2Reliability
If a rivet tool or specialized tool is required for the fastening procedure, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is designed to be self-assembling without external tools. The hook members are inserted through the fabric and automatically engaged by the locking members through snap-action engagement, allowing the device to fasten itself without requiring rivet tools or specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical riveting system (requiring rivet tools) with a snap-fit engagement system based on elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The locking members use resilient arms that deflect to allow hook insertion and then snap back to lock the hooks in place, substituting complex mechanical tooling with simple elastic-mechanical engagement.
3Strength
If the mesh of the fabric is dense, then the fabric strength and integrity are improved, but existing fasteners cannot penetrate without causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the size parameter of the penetrating element from large pins to small hook members, allowing penetration of dense fabric meshes. The hook members have dimensions small enough to pass through tight fabric weave without causing excessive damage, while the locking members remain large enough to provide secure engagement on the other side of the fabric.
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 design enables secure fastening of dense fabrics and other materials without damage, providing reliable interlocking and easy assembly by hand, eliminating the need for specialized tools and preventing deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member is configured to pivot in a direction towards the hook member when the hook member is in engagement with the locking member and a force is applied from the hook member on the locking member
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~5c
Figure 6a~7d
AI summary
A fastening device (1; 101; 121; 131; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) comprising a first part (2) having a first engaging side (21) and a second part (3) having a second engaging side (31) and wherein the fastening device further comprises at least two sets of individual engaging members (22; 32) configured to engage with each other. Each set of engaging members comprises a hook member (22) and a locking member (32). The hook member (22) protrudes from the first engaging side (21) of the first part (2), and said hook member has an engagement side (23) from which a hook (24) protrudes. The locking member (32) is pivotably connected to the second part (3) and extends into a recess (33) provided in the second engaging side (31) of the second part (3), which recess is adapted to receive the hook member (22) for engagement with the locking member (32), and the locking member (32) is configured to pivot in a direction towards the hook member (22) when the hook member is in engagement with the locking member and a force is applied from the hook member on the locking member. Also disclosed is a fastening system comprising two fastening devices.