Press-stud Retention Member Segmentation for Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional press-studs malfunction when subjected to constant traction, leading to misalignment and permanent deformation of the retention ring, causing operational failures, especially in items like purses and wallets that become full and apply force on the components.
Innovation Solution
A press-stud design featuring a resilient retention member with an internal annular portion and deformable external protuberances, where the internal annular portion maintains its circularity and resistance to deformation, allowing the stud to remain functional and unbuttonable even under transverse traction and misalignment, with a disengagement force independent of alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional resilient retention ring is used in a press-stud, then the stud can be buttoned and unbuttoned by applying pressure or traction, but when subjected to constant transverse traction, the retention ring deforms into an oval shape causing permanent malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is segmented into two distinct functional zones: an internal annular portion with high resistance to deformation for maintaining circularity, and external protuberances with lower resistance to deformation for absorbing transverse traction forces. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the retention member have different mechanical properties: the internal annular portion has high rigidity and resistance to deformation to maintain the circular shape and proper engagement, while the external protuberances have lower rigidity and higher deformability to absorb transverse forces. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between maintaining shape stability and accommodating transverse loads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the retention member is made more resilient to accommodate transverse forces, then it can handle misalignment better, but it becomes more prone to permanent deformation and malfunction over time
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is divided into segments with different mechanical characteristics: the internal annular portion maintains high resilience for shape retention, while the external protuberances have controlled deformability for force absorption. This segmentation allows the system to be both adaptable to transverse forces and reliable in maintaining proper function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of different parts of the retention member: the internal annular portion has high elastic modulus and low deformability, while the external protuberances have lower elastic modulus and higher deformability. This parameter differentiation allows the retention member to adapt to misalignment while preventing permanent deformation of the critical internal structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the internal annular portion has high resistance to deformation, then it maintains circularity under transverse traction, but the external protuberances must be highly deformable to absorb the forces
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is segmented into an internal annular portion and external protuberances, each with optimized mechanical properties for their specific function. The internal portion has high strength and low deformability for maintaining circularity, while the external protuberances have lower strength and high deformability for force absorption. This segmentation resolves the apparent contradiction by assigning different strength requirements to different functional zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by giving different mechanical properties to different regions of the retention member. The internal annular portion has high rigidity and strength to maintain circularity, while the external protuberances have localized deformability to absorb transverse forces. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
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 press-stud maintains operational functionality and resistance to wear, remaining buttoned and unbuttonable regardless of misalignment, with a compact and aesthetically appealing design that requires minimal production modifications and ensures secure closure without entanglement risks.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient retention member (62) which comprises an internal annular portion (65) having a resistance to deformation which is greater than external protuberances (66) of the retention member (62)
Data Source
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AI summary
A press-stud comprises a male element (12, 12') and a female element (14) which can be connected to each other in a connection direction, wherein the male element (12, 12') comprises a connection portion (20), on which a restriction (31) is formed and the female element (14) comprises a cavity (54), in which there is received a resilient retention member (62), which is synthetic and which comprises an internal annular portion (65, 165, 265, 365, 465) which is suitable for clamping and retaining the connection portion (20) of the male element (12, 12') and a plurality of resiliently deformable external protuberances (66, 166, 266, 366, 466), wherein, in a connected configuration of the press-stud (10), the connection portion (20) is inserted in the cavity (54) of the female element (14) with the internal annular portion (65, 165, 265, 365, 465) of the resilient retention member (62) arranged around the restriction (31) and wherein the internal annular portion (65, 165, 265, 365, 465) has a resistance to deformation which is greater than the external protuberances (66, 166, 266, 366, 466).