Snap Joint Fastener Assembly for Tool-Free Ceiling Lamp Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fasteners for ceiling lamps require complex and time-consuming mounting and dismounting processes, necessitating professional tools and resulting in high manpower and time costs.

Innovation Solution

A fastener assembly featuring a position limit column, elastic member, and fastening hooks that engage with corresponding holes without the need for screws, allowing for simple and tool-free mounting and dismounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional screw-based fasteners are used to fix the ceiling lamp bottom panel, then the fastening connection is reliable, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening connection reliabilityVSAvoidmounting and dismounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the screw-based system and implements it through a dedicated fastener component with elastic hooks that engage with fixing members. This separate fastener design eliminates the need for screws while maintaining reliable connection, allowing quick snap-in installation without tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener incorporates an elastic member that automatically provides the force needed for engagement and disengagement. The elastic hooks naturally snap into the fixing members during installation and can be easily released by applying force to the position limit column, making the fastening system self-servicing without requiring external tools or complex operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If conventional screw-based fasteners are used, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but the structure becomes complicated and requires professional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidfastener structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the screw-based system and implements it through a dedicated fastener component with elastic hooks that engage with fixing members. This separate fastener design eliminates the need for screws while maintaining reliable connection, allowing quick snap-in installation without tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fastening mechanism from mechanical screw threads to elastic deformation-based engagement. The elastic member deforms during installation to allow the hooks to engage with the fixing members, then returns to its original shape to provide secure holding force, replacing complex threaded structures with simple elastic geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple screws are used to fix the fastener to the bottom panel, then the connection is secure, but the mounting process requires professional tools and skilled operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmounting operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener incorporates an elastic member that automatically provides the force needed for engagement and disengagement. The elastic hooks naturally snap into the fixing members during installation and can be easily released by applying force to the position limit column, making the fastening system self-servicing without requiring external tools or complex operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the screw-based system and implements it through a dedicated fastener component with elastic hooks that engage with fixing members. This separate fastener design eliminates the need for screws while maintaining reliable connection, allowing quick snap-in installation without tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution reduces manpower and time costs by enabling convenient and efficient mounting and dismounting of fasteners, improving working efficiency and simplifying the process.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member (14), wherein the elastic member is disposed at a bottom portion of the position limit column (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3205931B1Snap joint assembly
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3205931B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3205931B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3205931B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a fastener and a fastener assembly. The fastener includes a position limit column, an elastic member, and at least one fastening hook. The elastic member is disposed at a bottom portion of the position limit column, the first fixing member includes a fastening hole disposed at a portion corresponding to the fastening hook, and the first fixing member includes a position limit hole disposed at a portion corresponding to the position limit column. When the fastener moves to a predetermined position, the position limit column falls into the position limit hole and the fastening hook engages with the fastening hole, thus, the fastener is fixedly connected with the first fixing member. This kind of fastener has a simple structure and does not need screws for mounting. Mounting and dismounting do not need professional tools, and are convenient and efficient. Thus, this fastener can reduce manpower cost and time cost.