Interchangeable fastener system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener systems for perforated boards have a limited scope of applications and fail to provide an adequate solution for versatile use across various connections, particularly in organizing tools and accessories.

Innovation Solution

An interchangeable fastener system comprising a main fastener with protrusions for attachment to a perforated board, featuring a channel with ramp surfaces and mechanical stops for secure attachment member rotation, and a latching mechanism to prevent inadvertent removal, along with counterbored holes for push grommets and detents for secure locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing fastener systems are used for perforated boards, then they can provide basic hanging functionality, but they have a limited scope of applications and fail to provide versatile use across various connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescope of applicationsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main fastener body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of attachment members (hooks, loops, clamps, etc.). The standardized channel and attachment member interface allow a single fastener base to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attachment member, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener system is divided into two separable components: a main fastener body that attaches to the perforated board, and interchangeable attachment members that connect to the fastener body. This segmentation allows the attachment members to be changed without removing the entire fastener from the board, enabling versatile applications while maintaining a simple fixed component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an interchangeable attachment member is used in the channel, then versatility is improved, but the attachment member may be inadvertently removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeable attachmentVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member includes a protrusion that is preliminarily positioned to engage with a depression in the fastener body during the attachment process. This preliminary engagement guides the attachment member into the correct position and ensures secure locking before final tightening, preventing inadvertent removal while maintaining interchangeability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The channel acts as an intermediary structure between the fastener body and the attachment member. It provides a controlled interface with specific geometric features (opposing ramps, mechanical stops) that mediate the connection, ensuring that attachment members are securely retained while still allowing for intentional removal and replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If opposing ramp surfaces are used to facilitate tightening, then ease of operation is improved, but over rotation may occur without mechanical stops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightening facilitationVSAvoidover rotation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The opposing ramp surfaces are designed with asymmetric angles relative to the channel centerline. This asymmetric geometry provides mechanical advantage during tightening, allowing the attachment member to be securely locked with minimal rotational force while the mechanical stops prevent over-rotation by providing asymmetric physical barriers at specific rotation limits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of manufacture

If push grommets are used for attachment to perforated board, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing precision is required for counterbored holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidcounterbored hole precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbored holes are designed to self-align and self-center the push grommets during installation. The counterbore geometry automatically positions the grommet in the correct location and orientation, reducing the need for high-precision hole placement while ensuring proper grommet seating and fastener attachment to the perforated board

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10986941B2Interchangeable fastener system

Publication Date: 2021.04.27 ZALME MARK

AI summary

An interchangeable fastener system for use in combination with a perforated board or other surface on a vertical plane includes a main fastener including a base for supporting the main fastener on the perforated board; the base surrounding a channel defined by an inner surface including opposing ramp surfaces to facilitate tightening of an attachment member, and a mechanical stop adjacent each ramp surface to prevent over rotation of the attachment member; and the attachment member including an elongate member having opposing ends, wherein the elongate member is sized and configured for selective passage through the channel from the front surface through the rear surface and wherein the attachment member may be selectively rotated so that opposing ends of the elongate member are each in engaged abutment against a corresponding one of the opposing ramp surfaces and mechanical stops.