Panel Fastener With Integral Spring Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring devices for thin-walled materials like sheet metal or composite panels require additional tooling and are time-consuming, and the use of EDM slots reduces load-bearing capacity by reducing the diameter of the fastener.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with an integral retention mechanism, featuring a u-shaped spring member and axially oriented openings, which secures the fastener to the panel without the need for EDM slots, allowing easy disengagement without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grommets or clips are used to retain the fastener to the panel, then the fastener can be retained after threads are backed out, but additional tooling is required and installation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention function with the fastener body itself by integrating a U-shaped spring member that extends through openings in the fastener shank. This eliminates the need for separate grommets or clips, as the retention mechanism is merged into the fastener structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining retention reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member is designed to automatically engage with the panel structure and provide retention without requiring additional tools or manual intervention. The spring's inherent elasticity allows it to self-adjust and maintain retention force, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for special installation tooling
2Ease of operation
If EDM slots are manufactured along the long axis of the fastener, then proper orientation during installation and removal is achieved, but the load-bearing diameter is reduced and allowable tensile and shear loads decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting slots along the entire length of the fastener, the patent applies openings only at specific locations on the shank where the spring member needs to extend. This localized approach maintains the load-bearing diameter and strength of the fastener body while still providing the necessary orientation functionality through the strategically positioned openings
3Ease of operation
If EDM slots are manufactured along the long axis of the fastener, then proper orientation during installation and removal is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member and openings are pre-integrated into the fastener structure during manufacturing, so that during installation the fastener is ready to automatically orient itself without requiring pre-cut slots or additional orientation steps. This preliminary integration eliminates time-consuming EDM slotting operations and speeds up the installation process
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 provides reliable retention and disengagement of the fastener, maintaining load-bearing capacity by eliminating the need for EDM slots and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a u-shaped spring member, comprising a biasing section comprising the bottom closed portion of the "U", where the biasing section may be of constant thickness and relatively thin with respect to the upper portions of each leg
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener has an integral retention mechanism, which is affixed to the fastener without the need for EDM slots along the length of the fastener. The integral retention mechanism reliably secures the fastener to a panel until it is desired to remove the fastener, in which case the fastener may be easily disengaged without any additional tools. The fastener has an axial aperture having an opening in the tip of the fastener, and axially aligned openings along opposing sides of the fastener which penetrate through to the axial aperture. A u-shaped spring mechanism is disposed within the axial aperture, with a portion of each leg outwardly extendable through the axially aligned openings to provide a retention mechanism.