Modular Screw Captivator With Snap-Lock Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing captive screw fastener assemblies are complex, costly, and inefficient, requiring a significant inventory of customized components, limiting interchangeability and making field repairs difficult due to inseparable components.
Innovation Solution
A modular screw captivator system using conventional threaded fasteners with a simplified installation process, incorporating a retainer and body that can capture a variety of screws, featuring a self-ejecting mechanism and snap-lock base, reducing the number of required components and enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized components are used in captive screw assemblies, then the assembly can be tailored to specific requirements, but the inventory requirements and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The captivator body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple screw types and sizes through a standardized internal cavity structure. The body contains features such as a recessed cavity with threaded engagement surfaces that can interface with different screw configurations, allowing one body design to serve multiple fastening applications without requiring customized components for each screw type.
Solution Approach 2:
The captive screw assembly is divided into separable components: a reusable captivator body that remains in the panel, and a removable screw portion. This segmentation allows the body to be retained and reused across different applications, while only the screw portions need to be inventoried and replaced, significantly reducing the overall component inventory requirements.
2Reliability
If entire assemblies are returned for repair when the captive screw is damaged, then component reliability is maintained, but the repair complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into a permanent captivator body and a replaceable screw portion. When the screw becomes damaged, only the screw portion needs to be removed and replaced, while the body remains in place. This segmentation enables simple field repairs without requiring panel removal or shop-based repair facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw portion is designed to be extractable from the captivator body through a simple removal mechanism. The body contains features such as a recessed cavity or snap-fit interface that allows the screw to be easily extracted and replaced in the field, separating the repairable component from the permanent mounting structure.
3Reliability
If additional machinery and effort are used to affix captive screw assemblies, then installation reliability is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The captivator body is pre-assembled with the screw portion before installation into the panel. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and engagement features are correctly positioned, allowing the complete assembly to be installed as a single unit through simple insertion into a pre-drilled hole, eliminating the need for additional machinery or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The captivator body and screw portion are combined into a single pre-assembled unit that functions as one installation component. This merging allows the entire fastening assembly to be installed in a single operation through simple insertion and tightening, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and additional machinery.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for captivating a variety of fasteners relative to a first member. A captivator includes a body adapted to be secured to the first member and a retainer received within the body and having a surface engaging a captured fastener. Together the body and retainer maintain the captivated fastener in place relative to the first member. Keyway surfaces can be provided upon the body or retainer or both and an external or internal key can engage the keyway surfaces to selectively lock the body and retainer together, such as during installation or replacement of the captured fastener. Upon removal of the key, the retainer is free to rotate and translate relative to the body. A two-part base includes a snap base and base retainer together secured on a panel. The snap base may include one or more grooves for engaging one or more protrusions on the base retainer. In some embodiments a fastener retainer is not required as the base retainer functions to secure the fastener to the assembly.