Knurled Fastener Assembly for One-Sided Trailer Wall Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assemblies require two persons to assemble, as the first part (e.g., T-nut) is applied from one side of a wall and the second part (e.g., screw or locking nut) from the other, leading to dislodgment or rotation issues, and there is a need for optimal axial extension to facilitate tool connection without creating an undesirable profile.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a knurled shank and encapsulating plastic seal, where the knurled shank prevents rotation and dislodgment during assembly, and the encapsulating plastic seal allows for easy removal and protection, with a low-profile design that enables single-person assembly and efficient tool engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first fastener part is applied from one side of the wall and the second fastener part is applied from the other side, then the fastener can be assembled through the wall, but two persons are required and the first part may become dislodged or turn during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The knurled shank on the first fastener part provides self-gripping capability that prevents dislodgment and rotation during assembly without requiring a second person to hold or secure it. The knurling creates friction and mechanical interlocking with the wall material, allowing the fastener to secure itself during the assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If the axial extension of the assembly past the wall is increased to facilitate tool connection, then tool engagement is improved, but the profile height increases undesirably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the axial extension parameter to a specific range that balances two requirements: sufficient length for tool engagement and removal operations, while maintaining a low profile appearance. The controlled extension ensures the shaped driver portion protrudes enough to accept removal tools but does not extend excessively beyond the wall surface.
3Ease of operation
If the plastic cover is removed from the head to enable tool engagement, then tool access is improved, but plastic residue may remain on the head preventing proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the plastic cover and head structure to enable complete or near-complete removal of the plastic covering from the shaped driver portion. The cover is configured to separate cleanly from the head, extracting the plastic material away from the engagement surfaces to prevent residue interference with tool connection.
4Reliability
If the knurled shank is used to prevent rotation and dislodgment, then assembly reliability is improved, but the surface complexity of the shank increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knurled shank employs a surface treatment that creates a textured, non-smooth surface pattern on the shank. This knurling provides increased surface area and mechanical interlocking capability with the wall material, preventing rotation and dislodgment through friction and physical interlocking rather than complex structural features.
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 single-person assembly of fasteners without dislodgment or rotation, maintains a low profile, and facilitates complete removal of the plastic cover for effective tool engagement, ensuring secure and efficient fastening and unfastening.
Implementation Method 1
The knurled shank prevents the first portion of the fastener assembly from coming loose or from rotating while the threaded fastener is being inserted and tightened
Implementation Method 2
a shank with external knurls projecting therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly to be used in the construction of semi-trailers consisting of a first fastener having a head and a shank, a mating second fastener, and a plurality of axially extending knurls formed on the shank. The knurls engage in a hole for receiving the first fastener to prevent rotation and removal of the first fastener. The first fastener may also be provided with an encapsulating cover with two sealing points on its underside to seal the fastener to a surface through which the fastener is inserted.