Reversible Fastening Mechanism for Rapid Repeated Fixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical fastening devices, such as screws, are unsuitable for repetitive, reversible fixation due to material deterioration and time-consuming assembly/disassembly processes, especially in temporary applications.
Innovation Solution
A reversible fastening mechanism comprising an internal element, external element, and a key, with springs and locks, allowing quick and precise fixation and release by aligning the elements and rotating the key to engage/disengage locks, enhancing stability and minimizing material deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used for mechanical fastening, then effective and long-lasting fixation is achieved, but the support material deteriorates rapidly with repeated fastening and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into three separate components: an internal element with locks, an external element with stops, and a key with engagement features. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be distributed across multiple parts, reducing the stress and deterioration on any single support material location during repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The key acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the internal and external elements. By using the key to engage and disengage the locks and stops, the support material is not directly subjected to the mechanical stresses of repeated fastening and removal, thus minimizing deterioration while maintaining reliable fixation.
2Reliability
If screws are used for mechanical fastening, then effective fixation is achieved, but the fastening and removal process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism incorporates movable locks and stops that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The key enables dynamic switching between locked and unlocked states, allowing rapid fastening and removal operations while maintaining secure fixation when engaged, thus reducing time loss compared to static screw mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal and external elements are pre-configured with locks, stops, and engagement features that are ready to engage immediately when the key is inserted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for threading or complex alignment operations, enabling quick fastening and removal while ensuring effective fixation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reversible fastening is implemented for temporary connections, then repeated fastening and releasing is enabled, but the support material deteriorates with each repetition
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fastening system into separate internal element, external element, and key components, the mechanism allows repeated engagement and disengagement cycles. The support material experiences minimal stress during these cycles since the actual fastening action occurs between the segmented components rather than directly on the support material, enabling high repeatability without deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locks and stops are designed to self-engage and self-disengage through the key's insertion and removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation that could stress the support material, allowing repeated fastening operations while protecting the support material from deterioration.
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
Enables rapid, stable, and efficient repeated fixing and releasing of structures with minimal material degradation, suitable for various applications including packaging, transport, maintenance, and repair, with improved flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the spring (9) engages with the internal portion of the key (3), as it is inserted in the cavity of the internal element (1), thus exerting a constant force in the opposite direction, thereby pushing the internal lock (4) and external lock (5) against the stationary stop (7)s of the internal element (1) and of the external element (2), respectively
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to the field of the mechanisms for fastening two or more structures, in a temporary or permanent manner. The object of the present invention is a reversible fastening mechanism comprising an internal element (1), an external element (2) and a key (3), in which the internal element (1) and external element (2) are each installed in one of the structures to be joined, being secured by the key (3), which ensures the rapid and precise fixation and release of these structures. The reversible mechanical fixing mechanism which is indicated for use in projects for which speed and precision in the fixation and release of structures or components is relevant. The present invention has foreseeable practical application in the automotive and other vehicle construction industries, in the aerospace industry, in the naval industry and in any other technical equipment subject to frequent maintenance.