Press and Turn Fastener with Segmented Threads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bottle caps with spiral threads are difficult to re-attach, prone to cross-threading, and require multiple turns to secure, making them tedious and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A press and turn fastener design featuring a female portion with internal threads and a male portion with external threads that mate with a fraction of a turn, utilizing angled-beveled threads and stops to facilitate easy engagement and secure fastening with minimal rotation, preventing back threading and providing a quick-close feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spiral (helix) threads are used on bottle caps, then the fastener can be securely attached, but it requires several turns and considerable turning effort to close the cap, making it tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The thread structure is segmented into discrete parallel threads rather than a continuous spiral, allowing the cap to be secured with a fraction of a turn. The parallel thread configuration enables engagement with fewer rotational movements compared to traditional helical threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a fraction of a full rotation (less than 45 degrees) to achieve secure fastening, which is significantly less than the multiple turns required by conventional spiral threads. This partial action approach reduces both time and effort while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If traditional spiral (helix) threads are used on bottle caps, then the fastener can be securely attached, but it is difficult to re-attach and can lead to cross-threading
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel thread configuration with discrete segments makes alignment more forgiving during re-attachment, reducing the risk of cross-threading. The segmented structure allows for easier self-alignment compared to continuous spiral threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap and bottle top are pre-configured with matching parallel thread patterns that guide proper alignment during re-attachment. The thread geometry is designed to naturally guide the cap into the correct position before engagement, preventing cross-threading.
3Strength
If traditional spiral (helix) threads are used on bottle caps, then the fastener can be securely attached, but considerable turning effort and several turns are required before the cap is securely fastened
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel thread configuration distributes the clamping force across multiple discrete thread segments, achieving secure fastening with minimal rotation. This segmentation allows the cap to be secured with a fraction of a turn while maintaining adequate clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread geometry parameters are changed from spiral to parallel configuration, and the thread incline angle is optimized to provide sufficient clamping force with minimal rotational input. This parameter change reduces the mechanical advantage required, decreasing turning effort while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method for a press and turn fastener having a plurality of mated thread sets where their symmetrical configuration is used in a fastening application to attach a male and female component. It is understood that this press and turn fastening system is useful for several applications including, but not limited to, pressurized and non-pressurized containers; mechanical, and electrical connections (e.g., light bulbs). The press and turn fastener requires only a fraction of a turn to be secured. In some cases, the press and turn faster also includes at least one locking feature, at least one stop, or both.