Single-Sided Wall Fastener with Sliding Drawer Cam Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wall fixing clips require two operators, one on either side of the wall, for installation and removal, posing safety risks and inefficiencies, especially during dismantling when the external part needs to be retrieved or the fastener dropped outside.

Innovation Solution

A fastener design with a sliding drawer mechanism that allows the second clamping member to be actuated from the same side as the first, using a cam system and return springs to move between deployed and retracted positions, enabling single-sided insertion, fixation, and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional two-sided fastening clip is used, then reliable wall fixation is achieved, but installation and removal require two operators on opposite sides of the wall, reducing operational efficiency and safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-sided operation capabilityVSAvoidfastener mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second clamping member is nested within the body of the fastener in a retracted position, allowing the fastener to pass through the wall. When actuated, it extends outward to engage the wall surface. This nesting mechanism enables single-sided operation while maintaining the two-clamping-member fixation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The second clamping member transitions from a static traditional design to a dynamic movable component that can extend and retract. This dynamic capability allows the fastener to be operated from one side only, as the second clamping member is actuated through the wall material by a actuating mechanism located on the first side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the fastener is designed for single-sided operation, then operational safety and efficiency improve, but the mechanism requires additional components such as drawers, cams, and springs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and removal speedVSAvoidmechanism components quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second clamping member is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the body, ready to be deployed when needed. The actuating mechanism is pre-assembled within the fastener body, eliminating the need for complex field assembly during installation or removal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The return spring automatically returns the second clamping member to its retracted position after actuation, and the cam mechanism automatically disengages from the cam follower surface when the drawer is retracted. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies the operation sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the second clamping member remains extended during removal, then the structure remains secured, but the fastener cannot be retrieved from the wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastener retrieval capabilityVSAvoidstructure retention during removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is segmented into a body and a movable second clamping member that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the second clamping member to be retracted separately from the body, enabling fastener retrieval while maintaining the option to retain the structure if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second clamping member's dynamic retraction capability allows it to disengage from the wall surface during removal operations. The actuating mechanism enables controlled movement between extended (retention) and retracted (retrieval) states, providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 safe and efficient single-sided operation for inserting, fixing, and removing the fastener, improving speed and safety by eliminating the need for external assistance during removal and reducing the risk of accidents.

Implementation Method 1

the moving means comprise a return spring adapted to bias said second member opposite the drawer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the means for moving said second member comprise a drawer mounted to slide relative to the body of the clip, and having a surface of cam adapted to cooperate with a cam follower surface provided on said second member to move said second member between its deployed position and its retracted position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP2003268B1Tie for supporting and attaching a structure to a wall, associated structure and corresponding structure assembly
Publication Date: 2016.01.06 SATECO SA
  • EP2003268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2003268B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2003268B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

The attachment (8) has a locking nut (24) and a latch (30) respectively supported on interior and exterior faces (28, 32) of a partition (6) and cooperating relative to each other for locking a body (14) of the attachment to fix the body on the partition. The latch is mobile between a deployed position and a retracted position in which the attachment is inserted and withdrawn via the partition, where the latch projects outside the body and supported on the face (32) in the deployed position. A displacement mechanism (50) displaces the latch between the deployed and retracted positions.