I-Shaped Snap Fastener for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for coupling curved surface parts, such as hook and latch types or friction welding, are prone to failure due to frangibility or generate debris that can cause service disruptions in closed systems.
Innovation Solution
A snap fastener system comprising a male member with an I-shape and a female member with deflectable projections, where the male member's arcuate surface and wedge shape engage with the female member's pocket to securely couple parts, eliminating the need for friction welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook and latch type fastener is utilized to couple curved surface parts, then the parts can be secured together, but the fastening device is subject to failure due to the frangibility of the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into separate male and female members that can be independently formed and assembled, with the male member having a body portion, neck portion, and head portion that can be unitarily formed with the curved surface part, distributing stress and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The male member is inserted into the female member's pocket, with the head portion fitting within the pocket space and the deflectable projections engaging the male member's neck portion, creating a nested configuration that improves strength and reliability
2Reliability
If friction type welding is utilized to hold curved surface parts together, then the parts can be joined, but string debris or the like may occur on the part
Solution Approach 1:
The friction welding mechanical process is replaced with a snap-fit mechanical fastening system using male and female members with deflectable projections, eliminating the high-temperature friction process that generates string debris while maintaining joint reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process and its associated debris generation are completely removed from the joining method, replacing it with a cold-form snap fastening system that produces no harmful byproducts
3Reliability
If a snap fastener system with deflectable projections is used to couple male and female members, then secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The male member's body portion is unitarily formed with the curved surface part, merging the fastener body with the part structure, while the head portion includes ears that can be molded into the part, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable projections are located specifically at the head portion of the female member to engage the male member's neck portion, concentrating the complex engagement mechanism only where needed rather than throughout the entire fastener structure
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 snap fastener system provides a secure and reliable connection that resists disengagement, preventing service disruptions and debris-related failures, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The female member includes a pocket with a pair of deflectable projections. The projections extend from opposing sidewalls towards one another. The projections engage the male member along the neck portion between the head portion and body portion to retain the male member with the female member.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for coupling together parts with a curved surface has a male member and a female member. The male element has an overall I-shape with a head portion, neck portion and a body portion. The body portion is adapted to be coupled with one of the curved part. The head portion includes an ear on each side. A first surface on the male member is arcuate along the body, neck and head portions. The female member includes a pocket with a pair of deflectable projections. The projections extend from opposing walls toward one another. The projections engage the male member along the neck portion between the head portion and body portion to retain the male member with the female member.