Snap Fastener for Sheet Material Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for securing sheet materials to building structures, such as EPDM rubber, lack efficiency and ease of use, particularly in connecting pre-fabricated building sections, as they require adhesives and mechanical connectors that are not always optimal for quick assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A snap fastener system comprising two elongated sections with interlocking engagement arms and protrusions, allowing for secure and reversible attachment of sheet materials between building sections, utilizing extruded aluminum for strength and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives and mechanical connectors are used to secure sheet material to building structures, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate sections: a first fastener section with upwardly extending sidewalls and engagement arms, and a second fastener section with downwardly extending sidewalls and engagement portions. This segmentation allows the components to be assembled quickly through interlocking without requiring adhesives or complex mechanical connectors, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of mechanical attachment and sealing into a single integrated fastener system. The engagement arms and engagement portions work together to simultaneously secure the sheet material and create a weather-tight seal, eliminating the need for separate adhesive applications and mechanical fasteners, thus reducing both assembly time and complexity.
2Reliability
If adhesives and mechanical connectors are used to secure sheet material, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system is designed to be dynamically reversible. The engagement arms can be easily inserted over the engagement portions to secure the connection, and can be just as easily removed to disassemble the structure. This dynamic design allows for quick assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining reliable connections during use, directly addressing the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of operation.
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the productivity and assembly efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components are pre-formed with specific geometric features (upwardly and downwardly extending sidewalls, engagement arms, and engagement portions) that enable immediate interlocking upon assembly. This preliminary preparation of the fastening geometry eliminates the need for on-site adhesive application or complex fastener installation, thereby maintaining structural integrity while significantly improving assembly efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A snap fastener includes releasable connectable first and second fastener sections. The first fastener section has a first section central portion with a pair of upwardly extending first section sidewalls located along opposite first section edges thereof, each sidewall including an inwardly extending engagement arm. The second fastener section has a second section central portion with first and second downwardly extending second section sidewalls located along opposite second section edges thereof, respective first and second engagement portions being connected to the first and second second section sidewalls by inwardly extending first and second legs. The first and second fastener sections are releasably connectable to secure a sheet material therebetween by securing the first and second engagement portions under the first and second engagement arms. Snap fasteners can be used to releasably secure sheet material to an underlying surface, and over a mate line between roofs of two pre-fabricated building sections.