Reversible Fastening Element With Non-Rotating Functional Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices require functional elements to be rotated or pivoted during attachment, which complicates the process and increases assembly effort, especially when attaching multiple points or to uneven surfaces, and often compromise the visual design.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device featuring a tension bolt with a mounting sleeve that is non-rotatably engaged on the shank, allowing axial displacement to secure the functional element without requiring it to rotate, facilitated by a radially projecting spring ring or latching elements for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the functional element is attached using conventional fastening devices, then the functional element can be securely fastened to the anchoring element, but the functional element must be rotated or pivoted during attachment, complicating the process and increasing assembly effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the functional element to rotate onto the fastening device, the mounting sleeve rotates on the shank while the functional element remains stationary. This inversion of the rotation mechanism eliminates the need to manipulate the functional element during attachment, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the shank and the functional element. It provides the rotation interface and transmits the rotational motion to advance the tension bolt, allowing the functional element to be attached without direct manipulation or rotation of the functional element itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the functional element is attached at multiple points, then the attachment is more secure, but the functional element cannot be twisted during attachment, requiring non-rotating attachment devices that increase assembly effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation function is moved from the functional element to the mounting sleeve. This allows multiple attachment points to be secured without twisting the functional element, as each point can be attached independently by rotating its respective mounting sleeve while the functional element remains stationary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If conventional fastening devices are used, then the functional element can be attached to the anchoring element, but additional fastening components such as cover screws or flanges are required, increasing device complexity and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting sleeve combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the rotation interface, transmits rotational motion to advance the tension bolt, and secures the functional element to the shank. This eliminates the need for separate cover screws, flanges, or other additional fastening components, reducing device complexity while maintaining fastening capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the functional element is made rotatable for attachment, then the attachment process is simplified, but the visual design is compromised due to visible fastening components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment processVSAvoidvisual design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting sleeve integrates the rotation interface and fastening mechanism into a single streamlined component that can be positioned to minimize visual impact. By eliminating separate cover screws and flanges, the overall appearance is simplified while maintaining the rotatable attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2239471B1Functional element with an attachment device for reversible attachment of the functional element

Publication Date: 2016.05.04 LINDEMANN TIM

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7

AI summary

The device (1) has a tension bolt (2) that is brought in interference with an anchoring element, where the bolt comprises a shaft (4) with a head part (3). A functional element (5) is rotatably supported at the head part, where the head part is brought in interference with the functional element in an axial direction in a form-fit manner. A mounting sleeve (11) is supported at the shaft in a torque-proof manner. The mounting sleeve has a cylindrical recess (15) for receiving the shaft.