Movable Fastening Element for Closed Wheel Axle Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for wheels require significant installation space and do not allow for a closed wheel surface, making them unsuitable for applications where space is limited and aesthetics are important.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with a wheel axle cover and two movable sections, allowing for easy production in an injection molding process, featuring a latching edge with an elliptical inner contour for secure fixation and simple detachment, and a support wall with actuating sections for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastening element is used to fix a wheel to a wheel axle, then the wheel can be securely attached, but the installation space required is large and the wheel surface cannot be closed
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is divided into two movable sections that can be folded against each other during installation. This segmentation allows the fastening element to be compact during storage and installation, reducing the required installation space, while still providing sufficient structure for secure attachment when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The two sections of the fastening element are designed to fold against each other, with one section nesting against the other. This nested configuration minimizes the space required during installation and storage, while maintaining the ability to provide secure attachment when in the extended position.
2Reliability
If a conventional fastening element is used to fix a wheel to a wheel axle, then the wheel can be securely attached, but the wheel surface cannot be closed, leading to dirt accumulation and poor appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel axle cover is integrated with the fastening element, merging the protective covering function with the attachment function. This integration allows the outer wall to form a substantially closed surface that protects against dirt accumulation while the latching edge provides secure attachment to the wheel axle groove.
3Shape
If the wheel axle cover and fixing means are designed to overlap axially, then a closed surface is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture via injection molding
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is segmented into two movable sections that do not overlap during injection molding, simplifying the manufacturing process. After molding, these sections are folded against each other to achieve the closed surface configuration, separating the manufacturing simplicity from the final shape requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element incorporates movable sections that can change configuration. During manufacturing, the sections are in a simple, non-overlapping arrangement suitable for injection molding. During installation and use, the sections are folded against each other to achieve the compact, closed-surface configuration.
4Reliability
If the latching edge has a secure fixation design, then the wheel attachment is reliable, but the detachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating sections are designed to be operable through the engagement opening without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The user can directly manipulate the actuating sections through the opening to release the latching edge from the groove, enabling simple detachment while maintaining secure fixation during normal operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
A fastening element (8) for fixing a wheel (5) to a wheel axle (6) has means for fixing it to the wheel axle (6) and means for fixing it to the wheel (5). A simple design with easy manufacturability results if the fastening element (8) has two sections (23, 24; 53, 54; 63, 64) that are movable relative to each other and separated by a dividing plane (22), wherein the means for fixing the fastening element (8) to the wheel axle (6) are arranged on the first section (23) and a wheel axle cover (26) is arranged on the second section (24; 54; 64).