Pressure Lock Fastener With Expandable Flanges for One-Side Panel Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening devices require access to both sides of the panels for installation, which is not feasible in many manufacturing, construction, and assembly scenarios where both sides are not accessible.
Innovation Solution
The pressure lock retention fastener system includes an insert, a threaded collet with expandable flanges, and a screw that pushes the flanges outward to secure panels together, allowing for top-down installation and featuring anti-rotation tabs and air release vents for enhanced stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fastening devices are used, then secure fastening of panels is achieved, but access to both sides of panels is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into multiple functional segments: a fastener body inserted through the panel, an expandable anchor mechanism that expands behind the panel, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the fastener to be installed from one side only, as each segment performs a specific function in the fastening sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor mechanism is nested within the fastener body during installation, and the locking mechanism is nested within the anchor structure. The expandable flanges are contained within the fastener body before expansion, allowing compact installation from one side while providing complex functionality
2Strength
If expandable flanges are used to secure panels, then strong fastening is achieved, but false lock engagements may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism incorporates feedback through the interaction between the ridge locks and the panel surface. The ridge locks provide tactile and mechanical feedback that confirms proper engagement, allowing the installer to verify that the fastener is correctly seated and locked to the panel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual indicators (color changes or visual markers) to distinguish between engaged and disengaged states of the ridge locks. This visual feedback mechanism helps prevent false lock engagements by providing clear indication of proper fastening status
3Stability of the object's composition
If anti-rotation tabs are added to prevent spinning, then fastener stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation tabs are designed with asymmetric geometry that engages with corresponding features in the panel or fastener body. This asymmetric design prevents rotation in a specific direction while maintaining structural efficiency and minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation tabs are merged with the existing fastener body structure rather than being separate components. The tabs are integrated into the fastener geometry, combining the fastening and anti-rotation functions into a single unified structure
Data Source
AI summary
In implementations of a pressure lock retention fastener, the fastener assembly includes an insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole in a first panel. The fastener assembly has a threaded collet sized to slide in the insert and has expandable flanges that extend below the insert. The expandable flanges are sized for insertion into an aligned hole in a second panel. The fastener assembly also includes a screw installable through the insert to engage the threaded collet. The screw exerts a force that pushes the expandable flanges outward as screw rotation drives the screw into the threaded collet, and ridge locks of the expandable flanges seat up against the second panel effective to fasten the panels together. In implementations, a plate is installable between the panels with slotted holes having anti-rotation tabs that prevent a fastener assembly from spinning in the panel holes.