Self-Mating Fastener Rail Structure for Sliding Electrical Contact

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fasteners lack the ability to maintain an electrical connection while being slidable, and there is a need for self-mating fasteners that can facilitate communication between electronic devices without requiring male and female components.

Innovation Solution

A self-mating fastener design featuring a backing with protruding rail elements and posts, where the rail elements have a cap portion wider than the base portion, allowing for slidable engagement while maintaining an electrical connection through conductive contact elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fasteners are used to join articles together, then mechanical fastening is achieved, but electrical connection cannot be maintained during sliding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidsliding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening through interlocking rail elements and electrical connection through conductive elements. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanical and electrical components, enabling both fastening and electrical connection to coexist during sliding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the mechanical fastening function and electrical connection function into a single integrated fastening member. The conductive element is incorporated directly into the fastening member structure, combining two previously separate functions (mechanical engagement and electrical conduction) into one unified component that performs both roles simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If self-mating fasteners with interlocking members are used, then male and female components are eliminated, but electrical connection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener structureVSAvoidelectrical connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the mechanical fastening function and electrical connection function into a single integrated fastening member. The conductive element is incorporated directly into the fastening member structure, combining two previously separate functions (mechanical engagement and electrical conduction) into one unified component that performs both roles simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening through interlocking rail elements and electrical connection through conductive elements. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanical and electrical components, enabling both fastening and electrical connection to coexist during sliding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional fasteners are used, then simple structure is maintained, but excessive deformation occurs after multiple fastening cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener structureVSAvoidfastening cycle durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rail element incorporates a cap portion with a width greater than the base portion, creating a dynamic structural feature that allows controlled deformation and recovery during fastening cycles. The cap portion's geometry enables the rail element to flex and return to its original position, accommodating repeated fastening and unfastening actions without permanent deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the rail element by introducing a cap portion with different dimensions than the base portion. This parameter change (increased width at the cap) modifies the mechanical properties of the rail element, providing enhanced flexibility and resistance to permanent deformation while maintaining the overall structural integrity through multiple fastening cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3952772B1Self-mating mechanical fastener with conductive contact element

Publication Date: 2024.09.18 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-mating fastener that includes a backing having a first side, and a rail element protruding perpendicularly from the first side of the backing. The rail element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing. The rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cap portion distal from the backing. The cap portion has a cap width that is greater than a width of the base portion and the cap portion overhangs the base portion on opposing sides. The self-mating fastener includes an electrically conductive contact element proximate to the rail element.