Removable Blind Fastener for One-Sided Reusable Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional one-sided fasteners and blind fasteners face challenges such as being non-removable, requiring specialized tools, lacking strength to withstand axial and shear loads, and being difficult to install and remove, especially when access is limited to one side of the joint material.
Innovation Solution
A removable blind fastener system comprising an anchor with rotatably coupled anchor members and an anchor drive mechanism, allowing for easy installation and removal without specialized tools, capable of withstanding both axial and shear loads, and designed for reuse without damaging work pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional blind fasteners (toggle bolts, deformable fins, rivets) are used, then one-sided installation is enabled, but the fasteners become non-removable or require specialized tools for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separable components: a removable head assembly and an anchor assembly. The anchor remains embedded in the workpiece while the head can be completely removed and reinstalled, enabling both easy installation and removal without specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive shaft acts as an intermediary mechanism between the head and anchor. The drive shaft transmits rotational motion to rotate the anchor members from closed to open configuration, and also serves as the interface for tool attachment during installation and removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If blind fasteners with deformable fins or specialized mechanisms are used, then one-sided fastening is achieved, but specialized tooling requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor members are designed to be manually rotated by hand to transition between closed and open configurations. This eliminates the need for specialized automated tooling while still achieving the one-sided fastening capability, as the mechanical advantage of the lever arms allows easy manual operation.
3Force
If coiled spring pin type blind fasteners are used, then shear load resistance is provided, but axial load resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener combines multiple structural elements (threaded anchor members, retainer sections, elongated bodies) made from materials with appropriate mechanical properties. The threaded portions provide axial load resistance while the retainer sections and elongated bodies contribute to shear load resistance, creating a composite structure that withstands both axial and shear forces.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, easy-to-install, and secure fastening system that is reusable and strong enough to handle both axial and shear loads, with no need for specialized tools, addressing the limitations of existing blind fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The head is then positioned over a substantially continuous external thread formed by the threaded outer surfaces of the anchor and the threaded section of the shaft. When the head is rotated the internal thread of the head engage with the substantially continuous external thread and causes a retraction of the anchor
Implementation Method 2
Each anchor member is rotatably coupled to at least one other anchor member. The anchor is then required to be set in open configuration so that the anchor members are positioned in a facing relationship defining an opening therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A removable blind fastener comprising an anchor having anchor members each having a threaded outer surface and a retainer section, and an anchor drive mechanism comprising a shaft having a top portion with a threaded section. The retainer section has a periphery that extends beyond a periphery of the elongated body. The anchor in a closed configuration is inserted through a frontal face of a hole on a work piece such that the retainer sections are positioned behind a rear face of the hole. The anchor is then set in an open configuration and the shaft is placed irrotatably between the anchor elements. A head having internal threads is engaged to the threaded outer surface and the threaded section such that rotation of the head causes a retraction of the anchor till at least a part of the retainer sections abuts the rear face of the hole.