Releasable Panel Fastener Assembly for Leak-Proof Sheet Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel fasteners face issues such as permanent or semi-permanent installation, limited control over interstitial space, and water leakage due to pin-and-grommet style connections, which hinder serviceability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A panel fastener assembly comprising a panel retainer and a sheet retainer connected via male and female type connectors, featuring a neck with a flat face and resilient locking elements that prevent awayward movement, allowing for releasable fastening and sealing between panels and sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pin-and-grommet fasteners are used, then panels and sheets can be secured together, but water leakage occurs at the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate components: a panel retainer and a sheet retainer, each optimized for its specific function. This segmentation allows for better sealing performance at the connection interface between panels and sheets, eliminating water leakage issues associated with conventional integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the panel retainer and sheet retainer. This seal member specifically addresses the water leakage problem by creating a waterproof barrier at the connection point, while allowing the fastener to maintain its structural integrity and fastening function.
2Strength
If permanent or semi-permanent installation is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but serviceability is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener employs resilient locking elements that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking elements can be engaged to provide secure fastening during normal operation, and can be disengaged to allow for service and maintenance, thus providing both strength and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design allows for easy engagement and disengagement of the locking elements without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The resilient nature of the locking elements enables them to self-adjust during installation and removal, facilitating quick serviceability while maintaining secure fastening during use.
3Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners are used, then panels can be joined, but control over interstitial space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates adjustable spacing mechanisms that allow for localized control of the interstitial space between panels and sheets. This enables precise adjustment of gaps and spacing in specific areas without affecting the entire assembly, providing adaptability for different installation requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
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
The assembly provides increased serviceability, usability, and leak-proof installation by allowing for adjustable connection and disconnection, ensuring secure and watertight fastening of panels and sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of resilient locking elements, which each extend from the mating side of the body at edges of the mating surface radially disposed about a central axis. Each locking element defines a locking surface opposing the mating surface of the body.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved panel fastener assembly is provided and includes a panel retainer having a first connector and a sheet retainer having a second connector. One of the connectors includes a neck extending to a head that presents a flat face opposite the neck and a contact surface between the neck and an outer edge. The other connector includes a body and a plurality of resiliently deflectable locking elements that each extend from a side of the body and define a locking surface opposing a surface of the body. The panel retainer and the sheet retainer are connectable via the first and second connectors. A method of fastening together a panel and a sheet is also provided. The method comprises installing the panel retainer on a panel, anchoring the sheet retainer to a sheet, and connecting together the panel and sheet retainers via the first and second connectors.