Pin-and-Tab Manifold Fasteners for Quick Leak-Resistant Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fasteners fail to provide a quick, secure, and leak-proof connection for forming manifolds, requiring excessive time and labor while often resulting in insecure connections.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system comprising pins and tabs on one part and holes and connectors on another, with an elongated back structure and L-shaped brackets, allowing for a secure, snug, and quick connection to form manifolds with minimal leaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current fasteners are used to connect pipes and pipe parts, then manifolds can be formed, but the connection is not secure and allows leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion with a bore, a pin inserted through the bore, a tab extending from the body, and a slot in the tab. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the bore and pin provide structural connection, while the tab and slot enable alignment and securing mechanisms, collectively achieving both security and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is nested within the bore of the body portion, and the tab extends from the body structure. This nested arrangement allows the fastener components to be compactly integrated while maintaining their individual functional capabilities, enabling a secure connection without excessive complexity
2Productivity
If current fasteners allow quick connection, then connection time is reduced, but the connection is not structurally sound
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components (body, pin, tab, slot) are pre-configured and pre-assembled as an integrated unit. This preliminary preparation allows the fastener to be installed quickly while maintaining structural integrity, as the load-bearing pin and securing tab are already in position before installation
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion includes a curved surface that provides structural strength and facilitates the snapping action. The curvature allows the fastener to flex during installation while maintaining structural integrity, enabling quick connection without compromising strength
3Reliability
If current fasteners provide secure connection, then leaking is prevented, but the fasteners are cumbersome and require much labor
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener body is designed as a universal component that can connect various pipe and fitting types. The bore accommodates different pin configurations, and the tab-with-slot design provides a standardized securing mechanism that works across multiple applications, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining leak prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The securing function is extracted from the main body and implemented through the separate tab and slot mechanism. This extraction allows the body to focus on structural connection and leak prevention, while the tab provides a simple, low-complexity securing action that reduces overall device complexity
4Productivity
If current fasteners are used, then manifolds can be formed, but excessive time and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components are pre-assembled into an integrated unit with the pin already inserted through the bore and the tab extending from the body. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for multiple separate installation steps, allowing the entire fastener to be installed in a single snapping action, thereby reducing connection time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is segmented into distinct functional components (body, pin, tab, slot) that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled. This segmentation allows for efficient manufacturing and assembly, reducing the time required to form manifolds while maintaining connection quality
Data Source
AI summary
Fasteners for fastening at least two parts, comprising one or more pins and one or more tabs on a first part, one or more holes and one or more connectors on a second part, and wherein the one or more pins of the first part are inserted into the one or more holes of the second part and the one or more tabs of the first part are snapped onto the one or more connectors of the second part to form a manifold.