Panel Fastener Assembly for Snag-Free Secure Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening panels to substrates using long pins that need to be bent over to avoid snag hazards result in pin weakening and require multiple process steps, increasing the risk of pin failure and injury.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a self-locking pin washer with a short first projection and an elongate projection that is securely attached to the fastener, providing a resistance fit and reducing the risk of snagging, with the elongate projection being longer than the panel thickness for retention and featuring a cap to prevent injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long pins are used to fasten panels to substrates, then secure retention is achieved, but snag and stab hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is divided into two distinct parts: a short first projection that remains on the substrate and minimizes hazard, and a longer elongate projection that provides secure panel retention. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising safety or effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking pin washer acts as an intermediary component that connects the short first projection to the panel. It provides the necessary mechanical engagement and locking action to secure the panel while allowing the pin projection to remain short and safe.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pins are bent over to reduce snag hazards, then safety is improved, but pin strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pin into a short first projection and a separate elongate projection, the need to bend the pin is eliminated. The short projection remains straight and strong on the substrate, while the elongate projection provides the necessary retention length without requiring any bending that would weaken the metal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple process steps (bending and re-straightening) are used to prepare pins, then snag hazards are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin system is segmented into components that are prepared separately and assembled together, eliminating the need for bending and re-straightening operations. The short first projection can be directly attached to the substrate, and the elongate projection is simply inserted through the panel and engaged by the self-locking pin washer.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking pin washer is designed to automatically lock onto the first projection when the elongate projection is inserted, providing preliminary action that secures the panel without requiring additional adjustment or bending steps.
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 solution minimizes pin weakening and snag hazards while simplifying the fastening process, ensuring secure panel retention with reduced risk of injury and improved durability of the fastening system.
Implementation Method 1
The self-locking pin washer may be a resistance fit on the first projection. The self locking pin washers are typically metal washers which comprises a plurality of splines which extend radially inwards to a small aperture. In use the aperture is smaller than the diameter of the first projection, and the washer is forced onto the first projection, thereby deforming the splines which engage with the first projection, to provide a resistance fit.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2(a)~2(e)
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of fastening panels to a substrate, and a fastener, accordingly there is a method of fastening a panel to a substrate, comprising the steps of i. providing on the substrate a first projection, ii. attaching a fastener which comprises an elongate projection, to said first projection,wherein said fastener comprises an elongate projection, wherein the elongate projection is longer than said first projection, iii. attaching a panel onto said elongate projection.