Releasable Fastener Head for Over-Tightening Torque Limitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods, such as screws, often result in excessive locking, which can damage objects or strip screws due to continuous tightening efforts to ensure secure locking.
Innovation Solution
A fittable and releasable fastener system comprising a head with fitted and released portions and a fitting and releasing piece, where the fitting and releasing portion limits the force or force interval applied to the fastening portion using an elastomer and pusher mechanism to prevent excessive locking, allowing for secure fastening without damaging the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous tightening force is applied to ensure secure locking, then the reliability of the fastening is improved, but the object may be damaged or the screw may get stripped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a limiting portion that pre-determines the maximum tightening force before excessive force can be applied. The limiting portion engages with the screw head to mechanically restrict the range of motion, thereby preventing over-tightening before it occurs. This resolves the contradiction by establishing a safety mechanism that ensures reliable fastening while inherently preventing damage through pre-set force limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the limiting portion mechanism that provides mechanical feedback to the user during tightening. When the limiting portion engages, it creates a tactile and audible signal indicating that the maximum safe tightening force has been reached. This feedback loop prevents further tightening, thereby maintaining fastening reliability while avoiding object damage or screw stripping.
2Strength
If traditional screw fastening is used, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but excessive locking occurs due to lack of force limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the limiting portion to automatically engage and restrict excessive tightening without requiring external monitoring or control mechanisms. The limiting portion works passively to self-regulate the tightening force, eliminating the need for users to precisely control the applied force. This maintains fastening strength while significantly improving ease of operation by preventing excessive locking automatically.
3Reliability
If the fastening portion is made strong to prevent damage, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the fastening portion becomes difficult to release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fastening system into distinct functional components: the fastening portion for securing the object and the limiting portion for controlling force. This segmentation allows the fastening portion to be optimized for strength and reliability while the limiting portion handles the complexity of force control and release. The separated design enables easy release by simply overcoming the limiting portion's restriction, which requires less force than breaking a monolithic strong fastening mechanism.
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 fastener system effectively limits the torque force applied to prevent damage and stripping, ensuring secure fastening while allowing for easy release without excessive force, thus addressing the issue of excessive locking in traditional screw-based fastening methods.
Implementation Method 1
The fitting and releasing piece or the head is applied with an external force to make the fitting and releasing portion release the fitted and released portion for limiting the force or the force interval applied on the fastening portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fittable and releasable fastener includes a head which has a fitted and released portion and a fastening portion; and a fitting and releasing piece which has a fitting and releasing portion. Accordingly, when the fitting and releasing portion fits to the fitted and released portion, an external turning force is applied to the fitting and releasing piece or the head to make the fastening portion combine with at least one object. After the fastening portion is combined with the object, the fitting and releasing portion would release the fitted and released portion to limit the force or the force interval applied on the fastening portion for preventing excessively locking if the force is continuously applied.