Pivoting Handle Fastener with Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ¼ turn fasteners face issues with folding handles becoming dislodged during use and require access to the back of the supporting panel for secure engagement, which is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a pivoting handle assembly with a biasing mechanism and a locking pin that allows for secure engagement without specialized tools and maintains stability, using a rivet nut receptacle that can be accessed from the front and a threaded insert with cam and locking surfaces for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a folding handle is used to turn the stud head, then the fastener can be operated without specialized tools, but the handle may become dislodged from the stud head with minimum torsional force
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple segments or sections that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the handle to flex and absorb torsional forces without dislodging from the stud head. This segmentation enables the handle to maintain connection while accommodating operational stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, movable one that can pivot and articulate. This dynamic capability allows the handle to adapt to torsional forces during operation, maintaining reliable connection to the stud head while enabling tool-free operation.
2Reliability
If access to the back of the supporting panel is required to secure the flange, then secure engagement can be achieved, but the fastener cannot be used in applications where back access is not available
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring access to the back of the panel to secure the flange, the invention inverts the approach by securing the flange from the front side of the panel. This allows the fastener to be used in applications where back access is not available, significantly expanding the range of applicable scenarios while maintaining secure engagement.
3Reliability
If a turning tool is used to engage the cross pin with the receptacle, then reliable locking can be achieved, but the operation requires specialized tools and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed to self-engage with the receptacle through its own structural features, eliminating the need for external turning tools. The handle's articulation and geometric design enable it to automatically lock the cross pin into the receptacle, maintaining reliable locking while reducing device complexity and eliminating tool requirements.
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 secure and repeatable engagement of panels without the need for access to the back of the panel, prevents handle dislodgement, and allows for quick release without specialized tools, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism connected to the stud head and the handle that biases the handle outward relative to the stud head
Implementation Method 2
a locking pin connected to the stud head and the handle and in connection with the biasing mechanism to hold the handle in the upright position or the folded position
Implementation Method 3
The receptacle body 142 defines a central opening and has cam and locking surfaces 146 defined at an end opposite the radially outward extending receptacle flange 144
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener is provided for securing a first panel to a second panel. The fastener includes a stud insertable through apertures in the first and second panels. A handle pivotally connected to a stud head and pivotal between an upright position and a folded. A biasing assembly is connected to the stud head and the handle that biases the handle outward relative to the stud head. A fastener is also provided for securing together the first and second panels, including a grommet, a receptacle and an insert in threaded engagement with an interior of the receptacle. The receptacle may be a rivet nut.