Panel Fastener Structure for Uniform Depth and Damage-Free Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for easily compressed ceiling or wall panels often result in permanent deformation and insufficient holding power due to the difficulty in driving screws to a uniform depth without damaging the panels.
Innovation Solution
A panel fastener with a large washer-type head and a central shank, featuring high-low threads and a constant shank diameter, which allows for secure attachment without deforming the panel by controlling the depth and distributing force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional screws are used to fasten easily compressed ceiling or wall panels, then the panels can be attached to the supporting structure, but the panels are easily deformed and the holding power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener features a large washer-type head with a bearing surface significantly larger than the thread outer diameter, creating local quality differentiation. This large head distributes the clamping force over a wider area of the panel, preventing deformation at the contact point, while the threaded portion provides secure engagement with the supporting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener includes a centrally located shank that extends from the head and contacts the panel surface before the threads engage the supporting structure. This preliminary contact establishes a controlled bearing surface that prevents the panel from deforming during the fastening process, ensuring the panel remains undamaged while achieving secure attachment.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional screws are driven into easily compressed panels, then attachment is achieved, but the screw depth cannot be controlled uniformly and panel damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The centrally located shank makes contact with the panel surface before the threads engage the supporting structure. This preliminary action establishes a predetermined bearing surface that controls the fastener depth, ensuring uniform installation across multiple fasteners and preventing over-driving that would cause panel deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shank acts as an intermediary element between the head and the threaded portion. It transfers the driving force from the head to the threads while maintaining a controlled distance from the panel surface, ensuring that the fastener engages at a precise, uniform depth without deforming the panel.
3Reliability
If a large washer-type head with central shank and high-low threads is used, then secure attachment without deformation is achieved, but the fastener structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the large washer-type head provides bearing surface and prevents deformation, the centrally located shank controls depth and distributes force, and the high-low threaded portion provides secure engagement. This combination achieves reliable attachment without requiring separate deformation-prevention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously prevents panel deformation, controls installation depth, and provides secure structural attachment. The high-low thread configuration further enhances versatility by providing both initial engagement and final securing functions within a single threaded portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel fastener is provided that has a head having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; an engagement feature on the first surface of the head, the engagement feature being configured to be engaged by a driving tool; a shank extending from the second surface of the head; a threaded portion extending from the shank, the threaded portion having first and second helical threads arranged in an intertwined manner; the first thread extending farther radially from the central axis than does the second thread; and the shank being located between the head and the threaded portion.