Serviceable Stud-to-Tie Strap Fastener for Reusable Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fasteners used to connect threaded studs and tie straps are difficult to remove and often damage when attempting to reposition wires or fluid lines in vehicles, leading to the need for quick assembly, easy removability, and reusability.

Innovation Solution

A fastener design featuring a pivotably connected body and clamp that snapably secures onto a stud, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without damage, utilizing toothed resilient arms to engage and disengage from the stud threads, and incorporating a tie strap loop for securement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If internal barbs are used to retain the fastener on the threaded stud, then the fastener is securely held in place, but the fastener becomes difficult to remove and may be damaged when attempting to reposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention securityVSAvoidremovability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener incorporates a resilient arm that can dynamically change its state between engaged and disengaged positions. The resilient arm is biased to engage with the threaded stud during normal operation, providing secure retention. When removal is needed, the resilient arm can be deliberately disengaged from the threads, allowing easy removal without damage. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between secure retention and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the fastener is designed for secure retention on the stud, then reliability is improved, but the fastener cannot be easily repositioned for servicing wires and fluid lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidrepositionability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient arm provides dynamic engagement capability, allowing the fastener to be securely attached to the threaded stud during normal operation for stable connection. When repositioning is required for servicing, the resilient arm can be deliberately disengaged from the threads, enabling the fastener to be moved to a different location. This dynamic design simultaneously achieves connection stability and repositionability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If traditional fasteners are used that are difficult to remove, then assembly strength is maintained, but time is lost during servicing operations and components may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly strengthVSAvoidservicing time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient arm is designed to provide strong engagement with the threaded stud during normal operation, maintaining assembly strength. However, when servicing is needed, the resilient arm can be quickly disengaged from the threads through simple manipulation, dramatically reducing servicing time compared to traditional fasteners that require cutting or prying. This eliminates the time loss while maintaining strength during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient arm design allows the fastener to be easily manipulated into engaged and disengaged states without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The operator can service the fastener by simply pressing or pulling the resilient arm, making the fastener self-serviceable and eliminating the need for damaging removal methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 quick and damage-free assembly and disassembly of the fastener from the stud, facilitating repositioning and reuse, thereby reducing waste and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The fastener includes a first toothed resilient arm and a second toothed resilient arm... When the fastener is pushed onto a threaded stud, the internal barbs retainingly catch on external threads of the threaded stud

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3690263B1Serviceable stud-to-tie strap fastener
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3690263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example fastener includes a body (102) and a clamp (104). The body includes a first resilient arm (152). The clamp is pivotably engaged with the body.