Quick-Release Fastening Geometry Without Moving Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fastening systems are unreliable, difficult to use, and lack versatility, particularly for rapid and secure attachment and detachment, posing safety risks and usability challenges for various industries and individuals, including those with motor skill impairments or in high-risk professions.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a linking member and a retaining member with faceted cross-sectional shapes and a quick-release mechanism, allowing for guided coupling and uncoupling, and a multi-linker system with notches for secure attachment of multiple articles, enabling rapid and secure fastening and unfastening without moving parts, suitable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional fastening systems use moving parts or springs for quick release, then rapid fastening and unfastening is enabled, but the fastener becomes susceptible to wear and tear that adversely affects structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes moving parts and springs from the fastening system entirely. The quick-release mechanism is achieved through a static geometric design where the second object can be easily removed by pulling it away from the first object, eliminating components that are susceptible to wear and tear.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active components (springs, moving parts) to achieve quick release, the patent uses a passive geometric configuration. The faceted cross-sectional shapes are designed so that the objects naturally align and lock together, and can be separated by simply applying force in the opposite direction, inverting the traditional approach of using mechanical actuators.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening systems use grooves, slots, or holes for structural design, then the fastener can be manufactured, but these openings become clogged with foreign substances that prevent efficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid faceted surfaces instead of hollow structures with openings. The first and second objects have faceted cross-sectional shapes that mate together through their external surfaces, eliminating grooves, slots, and holes that could become clogged with foreign substances like sand and dirt.
3Strength
If traditional fastening systems use metal components for strength, then the fastener can withstand loads, but the metal is susceptible to rusting, bending, breaking, or other degradations with repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent opens the possibility of using materials other than traditional metals by not specifying metal as a required material. The faceted geometric design can be implemented in various materials including plastics, composites, or other non-metallic substances that are resistant to rusting, bending, and breaking, while maintaining the necessary strength through the geometric interlocking design.
4Speed
If traditional fastening systems are designed for quick release, then rapid access is enabled, but these fasteners often fail and quickly become unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be self-aligning through its faceted geometry. The objects naturally guide themselves into the correct locked position through the complementary faceted surfaces, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms that can fail. The simplicity of the design makes it inherently reliable while maintaining quick release capability.
5Reliability
If traditional fastening systems require refined motor dexterity for operation, then secure fastening is achieved, but individuals with motor skill impairments cannot operate them without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the fastening function into two simple components: the first object with its faceted surface and the second object with its complementary faceted surface. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in shape, making them easy to grasp and manipulate for individuals with limited motor skills, while still achieving secure fastening through the geometric interlocking.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system is provided herein. The fastening system employs at least one linking member and a retaining member configured to be fastened to one another. The fastening system permits guided fastening and unfastening of the linking and retaining members. Embodiments also include a quick-release mechanism that permits rapid coupling and uncoupling of the linking member and retaining member. Certain embodiments employ multiple, interconnected linking members that can be configured to be packed flat into a single linear plane. Embodiments are equipped with an attachment mechanism that enables an article's existing fastener to benefit from the fastening system disclosed herein.