Resilient Tab Push-On Fastener for Variable Stud Diameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-on fasteners are limited in accommodating studs of different diameters or non-uniform diameters, requiring multiple fasteners for specific diameters and facing issues with excessive force during installation or easy stripping due to mismatched diameters.
Innovation Solution
A push-on fastener design featuring a body with oppositely facing exterior surfaces and a central opening, including resilient tabs with different engagement edges that deflect differently to securely engage studs of varying diameters, allowing for installation by aligning the central opening over the stud and applying downward force to create gripping engagement at multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed diameter gripping opening is used, then the fastener can be manufactured simply, but it can only accommodate studs of a single specific diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping opening is segmented into multiple resilient tabs (first resilient tab, second resilient tab, etc.) that can deflect independently. Each tab has an engagement edge that contacts the stud, allowing the opening to adapt to different stud diameters through differential deflection of the tabs rather than requiring multiple pre-configured openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tabs are designed to be dynamically flexible, allowing them to deflect during installation and then spring back to provide secure engagement. The tabs transition from a flexible state during insertion to a locked state during engagement, enabling the fastener to accommodate varying stud diameters through controlled deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping opening diameter is reduced to fit smaller studs, then smaller studs can be accommodated, but excessive force is required when installing on larger diameter studs
Solution Approach 1:
Different resilient tabs are designed with different deflection characteristics - the first resilient tab has different resistance to deflection than the second resilient tab. This local differentiation allows each tab to engage the stud at different locations and with different forces, accommodating non-uniform stud diameters without requiring excessive installation force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping opening diameter is increased to fit larger studs, then larger studs can be accommodated, but the fastener can be easily stripped off smaller diameter studs
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tabs are designed with non-uniform deflection resistance, where the first resilient tab has different resistance characteristics than the second resilient tab. This ensures that tabs engage the stud at different locations and with different forces, providing secure engagement for both smaller and larger diameter studs by matching the engagement characteristics to the local stud geometry.
4Reliability
If multiple separate fasteners are used for different stud diameters, then each fastener can be optimized for its specific diameter, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple stud diameters and non-uniform diameter profiles through its resilient tab mechanism. Instead of requiring separate optimized fasteners for each stud diameter, a single multi-functional fastener design handles various stud configurations through the differential deflection and engagement of its resilient tabs.
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
Enables secure installation and removal of the fastener on studs with different or non-uniform diameters without requiring multiple fasteners, reducing installation force and preventing stripping, while maintaining high strength even with thin sheet metal construction.
Implementation Method 1
A first resilient tab includes a first engagement edge and a second resilient tab includes a second engagement edge. The first tab is less resistant to deflection than the second tab.
Data Source
AI summary
A push-on fastener for engagement on a cylindrical stud includes a body having oppositely facing first and second exterior surfaces and an outer marginal periphery. A central opening extends axially through the body between the oppositely facing exterior surfaces defining an inner periphery. A first resilient tab includes a first engagement edge and a second resilient tab includes a second engagement edge. The first engagement edge defining an inner periphery of the central opening and the second engagement edge defining a periphery that is outwardly of the inner periphery of the central opening.