Pivotable Fastener Assembly for Structures Without Precise Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastener assemblies for coupling structures together often require precise alignment and can damage components like bolts or clips to separate them, limiting ease of access and flexibility in use.

Innovation Solution

A fastener assembly comprising a stud, a pivotable body, and a fastener that allows for detachable coupling of structures without the need for precise alignment, enabling easy installation and removal without damage, and can be used in various applications without requiring fastener holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional bolts or clips are used to couple structures together, then the coupling strength is sufficient, but precise alignment is required and damage occurs during separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of coupling and decouplingVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener assembly incorporates a pivotable body that can rotate between a first position (for coupling) and a second position (for decoupling). This dynamic mechanism allows the fastener to engage structures without precise alignment by pivoting into place, and then pivots back to release, eliminating the need for damage during separation while maintaining coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional fasteners are used, then secure coupling is achieved, but damage to bolts or clips occurs during separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to fastener components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable body rotates between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the fastener to maintain secure coupling during operation and then smoothly release without forcing or damage. The dynamic pivoting action enables controlled engagement and disengagement that preserves the integrity of the fastener components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable body acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fastener and the structures being coupled. It provides a mechanical advantage through rotation, allowing the fastener to apply coupling force securely while enabling damage-free separation through the reverse pivoting motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If precise alignment is required for fastener installation, then coupling strength is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable body can rotate into the coupled position from multiple approach angles, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment of the fastener with the structure. This dynamic entry capability significantly reduces installation time and complexity while maintaining secure coupling once engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If specialized tools or fastener holes are used, then secure coupling is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling securityVSAvoidfastener assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener assembly with its pivotable body can be used on various structures without requiring specialized tools or pre-drilled fastener holes. The universal design adapts to different configurations through the pivoting action, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure coupling across multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3507507B1Fastener assemblies for detachably coupling structures together
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING CO
  • EP3507507B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3507507B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3507507B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A fastener assembly includes various features that work in conjunction to compress one structure against another structure thereby detachably coupling the structures together. The features may include one or more of a stud, a lever, a body, a fastener, etc.. Some of these features may be pivotable, rotatable, etc. between positions to assist in coupling the structures together. Other example fastener assemblies and systems including one or more fastener assemblies are also disclosed.