Pivoting Arm Fastener for Accurate Loop Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners face difficulties in positioning due to protrusions not fitting within holes, and there is a need for improved ease-of-use and clear indication of coupling status, especially with the expansion of their applicability in various fields.
Innovation Solution
A fastener member design featuring a base portion with vertically arranged engaging members, an arm portion that pivots to facilitate positioning, a claw portion, and a latching mechanism that provides a clicking sensation upon coupling, allowing for easy alignment and sure understanding of the coupling state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If protrusions are inserted into holes for positioning, then positioning is achieved, but positioning becomes more difficult if protrusions are not within the insertion range
Solution Approach 1:
The arm portion is designed to pivot dynamically between an extended position (when not coupled) and a retracted position (when coupled). This dynamic movement allows the tip to automatically adjust its position relative to the engaging members, facilitating easy positioning without requiring precise manual alignment of protrusions into holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm portion performs self-positioning through its pivot mechanism. When the fastener member approaches the coupling target, the arm portion automatically pivots to guide the engaging members into proper alignment with the target, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments by the user.
2Loss of information
If a latching mechanism is added to indicate coupling state, then coupling status can be clearly understood, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is merged with the existing arm portion and engaging members. The same arm portion that facilitates positioning also serves as the latching element that engages with the coupling target to indicate coupling status. This integration eliminates the need for separate indication mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while providing clear coupling feedback through the pivot action.
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 design enables easier positioning and ensures a clear indication of coupling through a clicking mechanism, reducing the risk of misalignment and enhancing user confidence in the coupling process.
Implementation Method 1
the arm portion is pressed against the coupling target, causing the arm portion to pivot in a direction such that the tip side thereof approaches the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener member 10 is provided with a base portion 11 having a main surface 15, and a plurality of engaging members 12 provided upright on the main surface 15, in which mechanical coupling with a loop member 30 is achieved by causing the engaging members 12 to engage the loop member 30. The fastener member 10 is provided with an arm portion 13 disposed on the base portion 11 via a base connection portion 13a such that a tip side can pivot in a direction so as to approach the main surface 15, a claw portion 18 that is provided to the arm portion 13, and a hook-shaped protruding portion 14 provided to the base portion 11. The claw portion 18 and the hook-shaped protruding portion 14 latch onto one another when the fastener member 10 and the loop member 30 are coupled. The tip side of the arm portion 13 is positioned to a position opposite the main surface 15 away from the tips of the engaging portions 12 when the fastener member 10 and the loop member 30 are not coupled.