Reversible Profiled-Disk Fastening for Flush Thin Components

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for thin, plate-like structural elements are either visible, non-removable, or not flush with the surface, lacking tool-free installation, tolerance compensation, and reversible detachability.

Innovation Solution

A fastening arrangement using a profiled disk with a wedge flank and a receiving element, allowing for mechanical, reversible fixation in a structural element with an undercut recess, enabling tool-free, flush, and tolerance-compensating connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screw connections or riveting are used to fasten thin plate-shaped building elements, then the fastening strength is improved, but the screws or rivets remain visible and the connection is not flush with the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidflush connection

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into two separate components: a fastening element that provides the mechanical connection and a cover element that provides the flush surface. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently while working together to resolve the contradiction between fastening strength and flush appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the fastening element and the external environment. It conceals the fastening elements while maintaining the structural connection, thus achieving both strong fastening and flush surface appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If adhesive connection is used to fasten thin plate-shaped building elements, then the connection is flush with the surface, but the connection is not removable and therefore not reversible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflush connectionVSAvoidreversible detachability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives with a mechanical fastening system. The fastening elements provide reversible mechanical attachment while the cover element maintains the flush appearance, thus achieving both flush connection and reversible detachability through mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If conventional fastening elements are used to fasten thin plate-shaped building elements, then the fastening strength is improved, but the fastening elements require a material density of at least 7 mm which increases the minimum thickness requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidminimum thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element features a localized undercut geometry that concentrates the fastening function in a specific region rather than requiring uniform thickness throughout. This local quality approach allows the fastening element to achieve strong mechanical attachment with a thickness of only 3 mm, significantly reducing the minimum thickness requirement while maintaining fastening strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If screw connections are used to fasten thin plate-shaped building elements, then the fastening strength is improved, but the screws remain visible even after fastening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidconcealed fastening

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into two separate components: a fastening element that provides the mechanical connection and a cover element that provides the flush surface. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently while working together to resolve the contradiction between fastening strength and flush appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the fastening element and the external environment. It conceals the fastening elements while maintaining the structural connection, thus achieving both strong fastening and flush surface appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 concealed, releasable, and flush connections for thin components, reducing panel thickness by up to 50%, and allowing for cost-effective, scalable applications in various industries.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening element can be inserted into the recess of the component in an assembled position and moved into a locking position. In the locking position of the fastening element in the component, the wedge flank of the profile washer corresponds positively to the undercut flank, which leads to the fixing of the fastening element in the component.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4286694B1Fastening arrangement for mechanically and reversibly fastening a fastening element in a component

Publication Date: 2025.07.16 HERZBERG NICO

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening arrangement (1) for the mechanically reversible fixing of a fastening element (2) in a component (3), wherein the fastening element (2) is formed from a profile disc (11) with a wedge flank (10) and a receiving element (8) for components, and wherein the component (3) has a recess (7) which has an undercut flank (4) towards the surface of the component (3), wherein the fastening element (2) can be inserted into the recess (7) of the component (3) in an assembly position and can be moved into a locking position, and wherein the wedge flank (10) of the profile disc (11) corresponds positively to the undercut flank (4) of the component (3) in the locking position of the fastening element (2) in the component (3).