Spiral Fastener for Lateral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for mounting objects to a wall through an aperture when the space behind the wall cannot be accessed are difficult to install and provide weak, unreliable support, especially under lateral forces.
Innovation Solution
A fastener comprising an inner stud, a spiral structure with interlocking loops, and an outer nut that compresses the spiral structure to form a washer-like support, allowing for secure mounting without damaging the wall and providing 360-degree stability against lateral forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a toggle bolt is used to prevent the bolt from being pulled back through the wall, then the fastener provides basic holding capability, but the cross-piece provides very little stability when lateral force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple functional segments: a collapsible cross-member assembly with multiple arms that can pivot independently, allowing each arm to provide stability in different directions. This segmentation enables the structure to adapt to lateral forces from any direction while maintaining holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-member assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than static, with arms that can pivot and adjust their positions in response to applied forces. This dynamic configuration allows the fastener to maintain optimal stability under varying lateral loads while preserving its holding strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If a prior art fastener is designed to provide basic support, then installation is possible, but the fastener is difficult to operate and provides weak and unreliable fastening ability
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-member assembly is designed to collapse into a compact configuration that fits within the fastener body during installation. This nesting allows the fastener to be easily inserted through the aperture and then expanded to provide reliable support, combining ease of installation with high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener utilizes parameter changes in the structural configuration of the cross-member assembly, transitioning from a compact installation state to an expanded support state. This parameter change enables the fastener to achieve reliable fastening after simple installation through the aperture.
3Reliability
If a fastener provides strong support against lateral forces, then mounting reliability improves, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-member assembly is designed to automatically expand and lock into position after insertion, providing strong lateral support without requiring complex installation procedures. The self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional tools or steps, maintaining simple installation while achieving high mounting reliability.
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 fastener is easy to install, provides strong and reliable support against lateral forces, and maintains structural integrity without damaging the wall, offering superior strength and ease of use compared to prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
an outer fastener that engages the inner stud to compress the spiral structure into a washer-like structure
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener adapted to be mounted through an aperture of a wall has an inner stud, a spiral structure, and an outer fastener. The inner stud is sized to fit through the aperture of the wall and hold the spiral structure. The outer fastener engages the inner stud to compress the spiral structure into a washer-like structure, which supports the fastener on the wall.