Retractable Thread Fastener for Quick Release and Secure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-release fasteners with retractable thread sections face limitations in rapid deployment and secure locking mechanisms, particularly in applications requiring precise control and fluid-tight seals.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release fastener design featuring a tubular shaft with radially displaceable locking elements, an actuating rod, and a spring mechanism, which allows for precise control between outer and inner locking positions, enabling easy insertion and removal from threaded bores while maintaining a secure, fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the thread sections are made retractable to enable quick release, then the removal speed is improved, but the locking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to switch between a retracted state for quick insertion and an extended state for secure locking. The actuating rod enables controlled movement of the locking element between these states, providing both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is divided into separate functional components: a tubular shaft, a movable locking element with thread sections, and an actuating rod. This segmentation allows the locking element to be independently positioned, enabling quick release while maintaining secure locking when engaged.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is made radially displaceable for quick engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating rod is nested within the tubular shaft, and the locking element is nested within the shaft as well. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly integrated, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining ease of operation through the push-button interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically returns the actuating rod to its initial position after actuation, eliminating the need for additional mechanisms to reset the system. The locking element self-engages with the thread bore when in the extended position, reducing the need for complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the spring force is increased to ensure reliable return position, then the reliability is improved, but the force required for actuation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is designed to provide sufficient force to reliably return the actuating rod to its initial position, but not excessive force that would make actuation difficult. The spring force is optimized to achieve reliable positioning while maintaining acceptable actuation effort through the push-button interface.
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 design enables rapid and secure engagement and disengagement of the fastener within threaded bores, ensuring precise positioning and a tight seal, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, having a first spring end abutting against the push-button of the actuating rod and having a second spring end abutting against an inner shoulder of the tubular shaft, the spring urging the actuating rod to its rear position
Data Source
AI summary
A screwable device having a retractable threaded section that has a generally tubular shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and having a front section formed with a radially outwardly open aperture and a rear section. At least one locking element comprising a threaded section and being radially displaceable in the aperture between an outer position with the threaded section projecting radially outward from the shaft and an inner position in which the threaded section is recessed within the tubular shaft. An actuating is rod coaxially slidable in the shaft between a front position and a rear position, the actuating rod having a push-button at its rod rear end, the actuating rod having a structure for engaging the locking element in at least one of its positions pressing the locking element into the outer locking position.