One-Handed Container Securing Fastener With Self-Aligning Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial installation and repair of cable and power lines pose hazards due to the need for personnel to work at heights, and existing securing devices are difficult to handle and tighten with one hand, as both hands are typically occupied with different tasks.
Innovation Solution
The securing device features a threaded member pivotably attached to a structure, a receptacle with a self-aligning cavity, and a fastener with a central handle portion that allows one-handed operation, enabling securement and tightening using a single tool, such as a wrench, even through thick gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional securing devices are used, then securement strength is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in one-handed handling and tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is divided into distinct functional components: a fastener body with integrated handle, a receptacle with self-aligning cavity, and a threaded member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity for one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle includes a self-aligning cavity that automatically orients the fastener during insertion, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment by the operator. This self-alignment feature significantly ease of operation while keeping the device structure simple.
2Productivity
If traditional securing devices are used, then securement strength is achieved, but installation time increases due to difficulty in handling and tightening with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed with a pre-configured self-aligning cavity in the receptacle that prepares the receiving structure in advance. When the fastener is inserted, the cavity automatically orients it correctly, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during installation and speeding up the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-aligning cavity employs curved or spherical geometry that guides the fastener into proper orientation through natural insertion motion. This curved design allows one-handed operation while maintaining rapid installation speed by eliminating alignment steps.
3Ease of operation
If existing securing devices are used, then structural strength is maintained, but operational effort increases due to difficulty in tightening with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated handle of the fastener serves as an intermediary that provides mechanical advantage for tightening. The handle extends the lever arm, allowing one-handed operation with reduced effort while still achieving the necessary securement strength through the threaded connection mechanism.
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 one-handed operation of structures, reduces installation and replacement time, effort, and improves work quality by facilitating easier handling and tightening of securing devices at heights.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded member (22) that is movably attached to a first structure (24)
Data Source
AI summary
Securing devices are shown and disclosed. In one embodiment, the securing device includes a threaded member movably attached to a first structure. The securing device additionally includes a receptacle attached to a second structure. The receptacle defines an opening sized to receive a portion of the at least one threaded member. The securing device further includes a fastener having an aperture with corresponding threads to receive the threaded member. The fastener additionally includes a handle portion sized to be grasped in the palm of a user's hand to move the fastener between a secured position in which the fastener contacts the receptacle when the portion of the at least one threaded member is received in the opening to secure the threaded member to the receptacle and to secure the first and second structures together, and an unsecured position in which the fastener is spaced from the receptacle.