Reversible Fastener Cap Structure for Universal Tool Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art fastener caps are not symmetrical top to bottom, making them non-reversible and thus not universally usable across different tools, as they must be packaged for specific branded tools due to orientation issues during storage and unloading.
Innovation Solution
Design of a fastener cap with a web bounded by a peripheral flange featuring parallel and planar top and bottom surfaces, allowing for top-to-bottom symmetry, and a strip of fastener caps joined by flexible tabs for reversible use, suitable for use in any orientation with tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fastener caps are designed with a dish-like shape for load distribution, then they can effectively spread out fastener load and prevent pull-through, but they become non-reversible and incompatible with tools that invert caps during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it creates symmetry where prior art had asymmetry. The fastener cap is designed with a substantially planar top surface and a substantially planar bottom surface that are substantially parallel to each other, creating top-to-bottom symmetry. This allows the cap to function equally well in either orientation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining load distribution effectiveness and achieving tool compatibility across different tool types that may invert caps during storage or dispensing
2Ease of manufacture
If fastener caps are designed with non-symmetrical dish-like shape, then they can be manufactured with simple molding, but they must be packaged for specific branded tools with particular loading directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fastener cap universal by giving it top-to-bottom symmetry through substantially parallel planar surfaces. This single design modification allows the same cap to be used in any tool regardless of whether the tool loads caps in a particular orientation or inverts them during dispensing. The cap maintains its load distribution function while gaining universal compatibility across different tool brands and types
3Quantity of substance
If fastener caps are arranged for storage by rolling onto a spool, then storage efficiency is improved, but non-reversible caps must be oriented in a specific direction which reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fastener cap to be used in either orientation by creating top-to-bottom symmetry with parallel planar surfaces. This means that when caps are rolled onto a spool for storage, they can be unloaded in either the original orientation or inverted, depending on what the tool requires. This resolves the contradiction between efficient rolling storage and flexible loading orientations
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener cap includes a web with opposed top and bottom faces, the web bounded by a peripheral flange, wherein the peripheral flange includes: a planar top surface; and a planar bottom surface which is spaced away from and parallel to the planar top surface. A strip, includes a plurality of the fastener caps disposed in a linear array and joined by flexible tabs.