Leveling Fastener Collar for Front-Side Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fasteners fail to allow for level or height adjustments between two pieces without losing support and grip, requiring time-consuming methods like using wood shims or creating holes, which are impractical in many situations.

Innovation Solution

A fastener with a locking system and internal channel that allows for adjustable height adjustments and material injection, featuring extendable retractable arms and a mechanism to secure pieces without losing grip, even when access to the back is impossible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fasteners are used to attach two pieces together, then the pieces are securely held in place, but level or height adjustments cannot be made without losing support and grip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling adjustment capabilityVSAvoidsupport and grip retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener incorporates a dynamic collar that can be adjusted to different positions along the shank body, allowing the fastener to adapt to various leveling requirements while maintaining secure attachment. The collar's adjustable position changes the effective length of the fastener, enabling height adjustments without compromising the gripping capability of the threads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a threaded portion for secure attachment, a smooth portion for collar adjustment, and a collar mechanism for height control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling leveling adjustments while maintaining reliable support and grip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If wood shims or other materials are introduced to fill gaps for leveling, then height adjustments can be achieved, but the process becomes very time consuming and requires access to the back part of the piece

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidleveling installation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener's collar can be adjusted directly on the visible front side of the workpiece, eliminating the need to access the back part. The adjustment mechanism is self-contained within the fastener body, allowing the user to perform leveling adjustments independently without requiring additional materials or backside access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable collar serves multiple functions: it provides height adjustment, controls the effective length of the fastener, and maintains secure attachment. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate leveling materials like wood shims, streamlining the installation process and reducing time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If holes or cuts are made in the piece to access the back part for leveling adjustments, then height adjustments can be made, but the structural integrity of the piece is compromised and the process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling adjustment accessVSAvoidpiece structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of accessing the back part of the piece to make leveling adjustments, the invention inverts the approach by providing adjustment capability on the front visible side. The collar adjustment mechanism is positioned to be accessible from the same side where the fastener is installed, eliminating the need for holes or cuts in the workpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If current fasteners are used that only allow pieces to stay together through adjacency and compression, then the pieces remain attached, but the user cannot separate pieces or adjust level without losing compression and grip

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiece separation and adjustment capabilityVSAvoidattachment and grip maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collar's adjustable position along the shank body creates a dynamic attachment system. By moving the collar to different positions, the user can control the effective length of the fastener, enabling both secure attachment and easy separation. The threads maintain gripping capability throughout the adjustment range, allowing operation flexibility without losing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260063162A1Leveling fastener with collar

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 OROPEZA JUAN CRISTOBAL

AI summary

A leveling fastener for adjustably securing a first member to a second member. The leveling fastener includes a cylindrical shank body having a fastener head disposed on a first end and includes a threaded portion having fastener threads extending from a fastener tip to a mid-portion of the cylindrical shank body. The cylindrical shank body includes a leveling portion extending between the fastener head and the threaded portion and a central channel extending axially along a central axis of the cylindrical shank body from the fastener head of the cylindrical shank body to at least the mid-portion of the cylindrical shank body. The leveling fastener includes a collar adjustable from a retracted position wherein the collar has a first diameter to an expanded position wherein the collar has a second diameter larger than the first diameter, the collar translatable along the leveling portion of the cylindrical shank body.