Memory Fastening Device with Shape Memory Core and Ratchet Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fastening devices, such as zip ties, are difficult to use in confined spaces and by individuals with physical disabilities due to their resilient nature, requiring both hands to secure, and often result in loss of control before locking into place.
Innovation Solution
A memory fastening device with a malleable metallic core and non-conductive outer layer, featuring a ratchet mechanism and serrations, allowing the device to maintain any shape formed and be secured with one hand, using a core layer of materials like 1060 aluminum or AISI 304 stainless steel and an outer layer of Polyamides-Nylon 6/6, enabling single-handed manipulation and retention of shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional resilient fasteners are used, then the fastener can be easily manufactured and is low cost, but the user loses control of the fastener before locking it into place and cannot use it with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from resilient plastic to shape memory material, which allows the fastener to be manipulated into any configuration and hold that configuration indefinitely. This enables single-handed operation while maintaining control during installation, as the fastener stays bent at 90 degrees or other angles until deliberately released.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with an inner core layer of shape memory material (such as nitinol alloy) and an outer protective layer. This composite structure provides both the shape memory functionality for reliable single-handed operation and the durability needed for reliable performance.
2Ease of operation
If traditional resilient fasteners are used, then the fastener can be easily manufactured from extruded plastic, but the fastener requires two hands to grasp both ends for bending and securing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional extruded plastic to shape memory material, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing approach but enables single-handed manipulation. The shape memory material can be formed into the desired configuration and will hold that configuration, eliminating the need for two-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with an inner shape memory core and an outer protective layer. This composite construction balances the complexity of the material science requirements with the simplicity of the operational benefits, providing both enhanced usability and structural integrity.
3Reliability
If traditional resilient fasteners are used, then the fastener remains straight and flat until bent by the user, but the resilient nature causes loss of control before locking into place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from resilient to shape memory, which fundamentally alters the stability behavior. The shape memory material allows the fastener to be manipulated into any configuration and hold that configuration indefinitely, providing both control during installation and stable shape retention after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting the fastener in a straight configuration that is easy to manipulate. The shape memory material allows the user to bend the fastener into the desired configuration (such as 90 degrees) and it will hold that configuration until deliberately released, providing control during the installation process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fasteners are used, then they work in open spaces with two hands, but they are extremely difficult to use in confined spaces where two hands cannot fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to shape memory, which fundamentally improves adaptability to confined spaces. The fastener can be manipulated into any configuration and held in that configuration, allowing single-handed operation that is feasible in confined spaces where two hands cannot fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fastener functionality into a head portion with the ratchet mechanism and an elongated body portion. This segmentation allows the fastener to be manipulated in confined spaces, as the user can work with one hand to position the head and secure the loop around the object.
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 secure, single-handed shaping and locking of the fastener around objects, improving usability in confined spaces and for individuals with disabilities by maintaining the formed shape indefinitely.
Implementation Method 1
The core layer can be constructed from a piece of malleable metal having shape memory for maintaining a shape to which the device is manipulated
Data Source
AI summary
A memory fastening device includes a fastener head that is positioned along the first end of an elongated body having a tapered second end, and a plurality of serrations. The head includes an opening having a shape that is complementary to the shape of the main body. A ratchet mechanism is positioned within the head and functions to engage the serrations to form a closed loop. The main body includes a layered construction having a core layer and an outer layer. The core layer is constructed from a piece of malleable metal having shape memory for maintaining a shape to which the device is manipulated, and the outer layer is constructed from an electrically non-conductive material that encapsulates the metallic memory core.