Removable Panel Fastener With Elastic Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current panel fasteners, such as Dzeus and Camloc, have a limited grip range and require precise alignment of parts, making them inefficient for attaching panels to structural elements and prone to tampering.
Innovation Solution
A removable panel fastener system featuring a pin with an elongate shank and a receptacle with a retainer mechanism, where the pin is secured by a retainer that elastically deforms to create traction and can be easily disengaged using a key, preventing over-insertion and tampering, and allowing for easy attachment and detachment of panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current panel fasteners (Dzeus, Camloc) are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but grip range is limited and precise alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into separate components: a receptacle with a slot and a keyless retaining member, allowing independent positioning and adjustment. This segmentation enables broader grip range while reducing alignment precision requirements during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member is designed to be movable within the receptacle, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic mechanism allows for easy attachment and detachment without requiring precise alignment, as the retaining member can accommodate positional variations.
2Ease of operation
If current panel fasteners are used, then attachment security is provided, but ease of operation is reduced due to tampering vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
A keyless retaining member acts as an intermediary between the pin and the receptacle, providing a simple yet secure engagement mechanism. This intermediary component enables easy operation through straightforward insertion and removal while maintaining tampering resistance through its keyed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional keyed locking mechanism is extracted and replaced with a keyless retaining member that achieves similar security objectives. This simplifies the operation for authorized users while maintaining protection against unauthorized tampering through the retained keyless design.
3Reliability
If a keyed retaining member is used, then tampering prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyless retaining member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining security, as the simple design is more resistant to tampering attempts compared to complex locking mechanisms.
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 system provides a wider grip range and secure attachment of panels with ease of assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for precise alignment and enhancing security against tampering.
Implementation Method 1
the pin is secured by a retainer that elastically deforms to create traction
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a panel fastener and method of attaching multiple panels. A panel fastener may include a pin and a receptacle, the pin having a head and a shank extending from the head and the receptacle having an aperture to receive the shank and a retainer configured to engage the shank to prevent the shank from being withdrawn from the aperture. The head and the receptacle may have respective openings to receive a key to disengage the retainer from the shank.