Oscillating Fastening Clip for Road Ironwork Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing road devices for fixing accessories to underground cable networks and inspection chambers are expensive and require skilled labor, with complex mounting processes that can be hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A road system featuring a one-piece, L-shaped metal fastening clip with oscillation capability between stop positions, a removable cover portion, and a thrust element for easy attachment and detachment, facilitating the mounting of accessories without the need for specialized skills.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional complex fastening attachments are used, then the accessory can be fixed to the road system, but the mounting process becomes tricky and dangerous requiring skilled labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidease of mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a fastening clip with retaining foot for attachment to the road system, and a separate accessory. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the mounting process by enabling tool-free attachment through oscillating motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening clip incorporates an oscillating mechanism that allows dynamic movement between locked and unlocked positions. The clip can oscillate between approximately 5° to 15° to engage or disengage from the road system element, making the mounting process simpler and safer while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If specialized fastening clips are designed specifically for each tampon, then secure fixation is achieved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening clip is designed as a universal component that can be attached to any road system element (frame, buffer, etc.) through a standardized oscillating attachment mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for custom-designed clips for each specific application, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening clip is designed as an economical, potentially disposable component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. By using simple materials and a straightforward oscillating mechanism, the cost of the fastening clip is minimized while still providing reliable temporary or permanent attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If complex attachments are used, then the accessory can be securely mounted, but the mounting process requires skilled labor and becomes hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening clip incorporates an oscillating mechanism that allows dynamic movement between locked and unlocked positions. The clip can oscillate between approximately 5° to 15° to engage or disengage from the road system element, making the mounting process simpler and safer while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillating fastening mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching. The retaining foot automatically engages with the road system element through the oscillating motion without requiring precise alignment or specialized tools, enabling unskilled personnel to perform mounting safely and securely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2478158B1Roadworks device with fastener and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2015.10.21 SAINT GOBAIN PAM SA
  • EP2478158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2478158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2478158B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present fastener (36) for street ironwork includes a fastening or locking means (56). The fastener (36) includes a retaining foot (60) suitable for removably connecting the fastener (36) to a member of the street ironwork, via a receiving cavity (40) made in the member of the street ironwork by means of a shape-matching connection. The invention further relates to the use in attaching jacks to man hole covers.