Rotating Wedge Fastener for Adjustable Connection Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment devices, such as screws and spring-loaded clips, require a time-consuming assembly process and have a fixed connection force, which is not adjustable, leading to inefficiencies in attaching multiple components.
Innovation Solution
The attachment device features two supporting disks that can be turned relative to each other, with at least one being wedge-shaped, allowing the distance between them to be adjusted, thereby increasing the connection force on the attaching parts by reducing the distance between the supporting disk closest to the pin end and the contact surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the head contact surface and the contact surface is preset in fixed fashion, then the structure is simple, but the connection force acting on the connecting pieces is preset in fixed fashion and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting disk is made rotatable relative to the fastener about the longitudinal axis, transforming the fixed distance into an adjustable distance. By rotating the supporting disk, the wedge-shaped surface moves relative to the spring-loaded element, dynamically changing the contact position and thus the connection force, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection force is adjusted by changing the geometric parameter (distance between supporting disk and contact surface) through rotation. The wedge-shaped surface of the supporting disk creates a varying contact position with the spring-loaded element as the disk rotates, thereby changing the connection force parameter without fundamentally altering the device structure.
2Reliability
If screws are turned multiple times to achieve sufficient insertion, then the connection is secure, but the attachment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional threaded mechanical fastening system is replaced with a spring-loaded pin system. The spring force provides immediate securing action upon insertion, eliminating the need for multiple turning operations. The pin engages with openings in connecting pieces through spring force, providing reliable connection without time-consuming rotational fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded element is pre-loaded with spring force before insertion. This preliminary stored energy is released upon insertion to automatically secure the connection, eliminating the need for subsequent adjustment or tightening operations that would be required with traditional screws.
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
This design allows for adjustable connection force, facilitating quicker and more efficient attachment of components, reducing assembly time and enhancing the reliability of the connection by preventing the pin from being pulled back through the opening.
Implementation Method 1
at least one supporting disk has a partial cross section that is wedge-shaped, over which the other supporting disk moves, thus increasing the distance between the surfaces pointing away from each other
Implementation Method 2
the contact surface is configured on a spring-loaded element of the pin. Spring force puts tension on the element away from the longitudinal axis of the pin. This makes it possible to guide the pin of the connector through the openings of the connection pieces, with the spring-loaded element moving against the spring force to the longitudinal axis of the pin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment device with a fastener, a first supporting disk and a second supporting disk, wherein the fastener has a head with a head contact surface and a pin extending out along a longitudinal axis, wherein the pin has an attachment end with a contact surface that is opposite the head contact surface. The first supporting disk has a suitably large opening to permit the pin to pass through the opening, and has a wedge-shaped section. The second supporting disk has a suitably large opening to permit the pin to pass through the opening and to permit the second supporting disk to turn relative to the fastener about the longitudinal axis of the pin. The second supporting disk is in contact with the wedge-shaped section and moves along the surface of the wedge-shaped section, when the second supporting disk and the fastener turn relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the pin.