Snap Fastener With Compression Spring For Easy Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snap fasteners make it difficult to simultaneously position multiple fasteners for easy removal of one wall part from another, requiring close attention and manual effort.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a compression spring between the support plane of the foot part and the edge plane of the thin wall, which automatically pushes the snap fastener into a removable position, and optionally using a spiral spring that encloses the head part to secure against rotation, along with a disc forming a ring for enhanced attachment and play compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple snap fasteners are used to fasten wall parts, then the connection strength is improved, but the difficulty of simultaneously positioning all fasteners for easy removal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression spring automatically pushes the snap fastener into the removable position without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism self-regulates the positioning of multiple fasteners, enabling them to be simultaneously brought into the correct orientation for easy wall part removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The compression spring pre-positions the snap fastener in the optimal orientation before removal is attempted. By continuously applying force to maintain the fastener in the removable position, the spring ensures that all fasteners are ready for simultaneous disengagement without requiring manual adjustment during the removal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a compression spring is added to automatically position the snap fastener, then the ease of removal is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression spring is integrated directly into the snap fastener structure, merging the positioning function with the fastening mechanism. This combination eliminates the need for separate positioning devices or complex control systems, achieving automatic fastener positioning while minimizing additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the spiral spring encloses the head part, then the anti-rotation capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-rotation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spiral spring is designed to enclose the head part in a nested configuration, where the spring coils surround and constrain the head part. This nesting arrangement provides effective anti-rotation capability while maintaining a compact structure that can be manufactured using standard spring-forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 easy removal of one wall part from another without manual intervention, provides a strong and independent attachment, and allows for varying sheet metal thicknesses, while also facilitating release mechanisms for safety and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring, in particular a spiral spring or a hollow-curved leaf spring, is arranged on the support plane of the foot part between this plane and the associated edge plane of the thin wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the compression spring is a spiral spring which encloses the head part, which has a rectangular or square cross section, near the foot part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the helical spring is pressed by a washer against the bearing plane of the base, which allows the forces of the helical spring to be better distributed over the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression force distribution: Compression

Implementation Method 4

the disc forms a ring enclosing the axial extension of the spiral spring in its compressed state, thereby producing a positive pressure connection between the bearing plane and the edge plane of the thin wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive pressure connection: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2414606B1Snap fastener
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 RAMSAUER DIETER
  • EP2414606B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP2414606B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E
  • EP2414606B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a snap fastener (10) suitable for positioning a first thin wall (14) having a penetration (12), on a second wall (18) also having a penetration (16), comprising a foot part (20) that can be applied to the first thin wall (14, 18) in the penetration (12, 16) thereof, comprising a head part (22) extending away from said foot part (20), said head part (22) implementing a male insertion part, wherein the head part (22) implements a guide or channel (24) for one or two or more sliding elements or retaining elements (28) pressed by at least one spring (26) into a position protruding past the end of the guide (24) or channel, the end thereof protruding out of the guide (24) or channel being formed in a cover board (38) perpendicular to the thin wall (14, 18), wherein the head part (22) is provided as a housing having fastening protrusions comprising compliant fastening surfaces, such as fastening cams (made of compliant material) or leaf spring devices (42), said housing being clipped in a penetration opening (16, 12) in the thin wall (14, 18), such that said housing captures only the one thin wall (rear sheet metal) (14), and that unlatching devices (releases) (46) are provided, by means of which the sliding elements (28) can be retracted into the housing from the front, and the housing can be released from the other thin wall (front sheet metal) (18), wherein, according to the invention, a compression spring (49) is disposed on the contact plane (45) of the foot part (20) and lies between said contact plane and the associated edge plane (47) of the thin wall (front sheet metal) (18).