Pivoting Handle Fastener With Front-Side Panel Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ¼ turn fasteners face issues with folding handles becoming dislodged under minimal torsional force 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 locking pin, integrated with a rivet nut receptacle that allows secure engagement without back access, using a stud and receptacle with cam and locking surfaces, and a lock cap to prevent dislodgment.
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 a turning tool, but the folding handle may become dislodged with minimum torsional force
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is pre-biased into engagement with the stud head through the biasing mechanism, so that the handle is already positioned and secured before operation begins. The biasing mechanism maintains constant engagement force, preventing dislodgment during the turning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle and the stud head, providing a controlled engagement force that secures the handle to the stud head during operation while allowing for the necessary turning motion.
2Reliability
If a traditional receptacle with flange is used, then secure engagement is achieved, but access to the back of the supporting panel is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring access to the back of the panel to secure the flange, the invention inverts the approach by using a rivet nut receptacle that is secured to the front side of the panel. The stud engages with the rivet nut from the front, eliminating the need for back access while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet nut receptacle serves as an intermediary component that provides the secure engagement function traditionally achieved by the flange, but can be installed and operated from the front side of the panel without requiring back access.
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 ensures secure and repeatable engagement of panels without the need for specialized tools and prevents handle dislodgment, allowing for quick and secure attachment of panels without access to the back side.
Implementation Method 1
a spring on the shaft between the head and cup member and received in the cup member
Implementation Method 2
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. The fastener further includes a pivoting handle assembly with a handle operatively connected to a stud head and pivotal between an upright position generally perpendicular to the first panel, and a folded position generally parallel to the first panel. A biasing mechanism is connected to the stud head and the handle that biases the handle outward relative to the stud head. A locking pin is connected to the stud head and the handle and is in connection with the biasing mechanism to hold the handle in the upright position or the folded position. 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.