Snap Fastening Unit with Automatic Locking for Low-Resistance Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap fastening units require significant resistance and tool-assisted disassembly due to the inclined surface on the snap block, making assembly and disassembly cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A snap fastening unit with a snap block that can maintain a retracted state, featuring an automatic locking device with a first and second locking member, and an elastic element for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing insertion resistance and eliminating the need for tool-assisted disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an inclined surface is formed on the snap block to guide the periphery of the through hole, then the snap block can be forced to slide and avoid the thin wall during assembly, but the force required to keep the snap block fastened becomes a resistance during the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The snap block is pre-compressed to the releasing position before assembly, so that during assembly the periphery of the through hole can directly push the snap block to the fastening position without resistance from spring force or inclined surface guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined surface structure is removed from the snap block. Instead of using an inclined surface to guide the snap block, the patent uses a flat front end surface that allows direct pushing by the periphery of the through hole, eliminating the resistance caused by the inclined surface
2Reliability
If a strong force is required to keep the snap block fastened to the thin wall, then the fastening is secure, but the snap fastening unit cannot be inserted into the through hole with low resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The snap block is pre-compressed to the releasing position before assembly, storing elastic potential energy in the elastic element. This preliminary action allows the snap block to be inserted into the through hole with low resistance, and then automatically snap to the fastening position to provide secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The snap block is designed to be movable between the fastening position and releasing position. During assembly, it can be dynamically positioned at the releasing position to reduce insertion resistance, and then automatically transitions to the fastening position to provide secure fastening
3Extent of automation
If the snap block is held in the fastening position by a spring, then the snap block automatically returns to the fastening position after assembly, but a tool is required to press the snap block during disassembly due to the inclined surface
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined surface is removed from the snap block, replacing it with a flat front end surface. This allows the snap block to be directly pressed by hand or tool during disassembly without the complexity of the inclined surface mechanism, making disassembly more convenient while maintaining automatic return to fastening position
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically returns the snap block to the fastening position after assembly without requiring external intervention. During disassembly, the flat front end surface allows easy manual or tool-assisted compression of the snap block to the releasing position
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
The snap fastening unit enables quick and easy assembly and disassembly with low insertion resistance, improving the convenience and flexibility of parameter setting for the fastening force, and simplifying the disassembly process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element providing an elastic loading force that drives the snap block to slide to the fastening position and maintains the snap block in the fastening position
Data Source
AI summary
A snap fastening unit includes a housing, at least one snap block, and an automatic locking device. The housing has a fastening support wall and a head portion extending away from the fastening support wall. The snap block is restricted to slide directionally on a guide channel of the head portion. The snap block has a clamping head, and is interchangeable between a fastening position and a releasing position on the head portion. The snap block includes an elastic element to drive the snap block to slide to the fastening position and maintain in the fastening position. The automatic locking device includes a first locking member arranged on the snap block and is moveable along with the snap block, a second locking member arranged on the head portion, and a triggering member driving the first locking member to unlock from the second locking member.