Snap-Fit Manifold Fasteners for Quick, Leak-Minimized Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fasteners fail to provide a quick, secure, and snug connection for forming manifolds, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks, as they are often cumbersome and require significant labor to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring pins and tabs on one part and holes and connectors on another, with elongated grooves and flexible materials, allowing for a secure and facile connection, including L-shaped brackets and sliding sections, to form manifolds like tee and elbow configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current fasteners are used to connect pipes and pipe parts, then connection can be formed, but the connection process is cumbersome and requires significant labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple functional components: a first part with pins and tabs, a second part with holes and connectors, and an elongated back structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick assembly while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design incorporates self-aligning features where the pins automatically engage with holes and tabs with connectors when the parts are brought together. The elongated back structure provides self-support during assembly, reducing the need for additional tools or assistance, thereby saving time and labor.
2Loss of time
If current fasteners allow quick connection, then assembly time is reduced, but the connection is not secure and allows leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener merges multiple connection mechanisms into a single integrated structure: pins inserted into holes provide rigid positioning, tabs snapped onto connectors provide secure mechanical interlocking, and the elongated back structure provides continuous support. This combination ensures both quick assembly and leak-proof connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener utilizes composite construction with different materials optimized for specific functions: rigid materials for pins and connectors to ensure structural integrity, flexible materials for tabs to enable easy snapping, and the elongated back structure providing continuous support. This composite approach maintains security while enabling quick assembly.
3Reliability
If secure connection is achieved with current fasteners, then leaking is prevented, but the fasteners are cumbersome and require much labor
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design is universal and multi-functional: the same basic structure with pins, tabs, holes, and connectors can be used for various pipe configurations and sizes. The elongated back structure provides continuous support along the entire connection length. This universality reduces the need for multiple different fastener types, simplifying the overall system while maintaining secure connections.
4Strength
If current fasteners are used, then connection can be formed, but the connection is not snug and structurally sound
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates preliminary alignment features where the pins are pre-positioned to guide insertion into holes, and tabs are pre-shaped to snap onto connectors at the correct orientation. The elongated back structure is pre-configured to provide continuous support during assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and structural integrity without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Fasteners for fastening at least two parts, comprising one or more pins and one or more tabs on a first part, one or more holes and one or more connectors on a second part, and wherein the one or more pins of the first part are inserted into the one or more holes of the second part and the one or more tabs of the first part are snapped onto the one or more connectors of the second part to form a manifold.