Split Wedge Fastener Assembly for Quick Secure Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener systems are inefficient in terms of cost and time for installation and removal, and lack effective solutions for preventing unintentional release due to relative movement between components.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly comprising a body with a tapered cavity, an elongated member with a circumferential external profile, and a split wedge with flexible hinges, which secures the member by wedging the wedge segments within the cavity, optionally using a retainer/spacer to prevent movement and ensure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastener systems are used, then reliable securing is achieved, but installation and removal time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into three main segments: a body with cavity, an elongated member, and a split wedge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling quick assembly by simply inserting the member and wedging the wedge, while maintaining reliable securing through the interlocking of these segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The split wedge incorporates flexible hinges that allow the wedge segments to dynamically adjust during insertion and wedging. This dynamic flexibility enables the wedge to conform to the cavity shape and secure the member reliably, while also allowing for easy removal by reversing the wedging action.
2Reliability
If traditional fastener systems are used, then secure engagement is achieved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fastener into simple components (body, member, split wedge), each part can be manufactured using basic processes with minimal material waste. The segmented design avoids the need for complex molded or machined single-piece fasteners, reducing material costs while maintaining engagement security through the wedging mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The split wedge is designed as a simple, replaceable component that can be manufactured at low cost. If the wedge wears or becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced without replacing the entire fastener system, reducing long-term material costs while maintaining secure engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the split wedge is made flexible with hinges, then ease of installation improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hinge is itself segmented into discrete connection points between wedge segments. This segmentation allows the flexibility to be achieved through simple hinged joints rather than complex continuous flexible structures, easing installation while controlling structural complexity through modular hinge design.
4Strength
If the cavity is tapered for wedging, then securing strength improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered cavity is segmented into the body structure and the separate split wedge component. This allows the taper to be formed in the body using standard machining or molding processes without requiring ultra-precise tolerances, while the split wedge is manufactured separately with complementary geometry. The securing strength is achieved through the cumulative effect of the tapered interface rather than requiring single-pass precision.
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 assembly reduces material costs and installation/removal time while preventing unintentional release through secure engagement and disengagement mechanisms, offering wide-ranging applications with enhanced stability.
Implementation Method 1
wedging the split wedge in the cavity to maintain the external profile of the member engaged with the internal profile of the wedge segments of the split wedge
Implementation Method 2
The split wedge has two or more wedge segments... wedging the split wedge in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
This fastener assembly includes a body, an elongated member and a split wedge. The body defines a cavity that converges. An access opening at a small end provides access to the cavity. The member has a circumferential external profile at one end. The split wedge has two or more wedge segments with a flexible hinge connecting each of the wedge segments. Each of the wedge segments has an internal profile. The member is inserted through the access opening into the cavity of the body, the wedge segments of the split wedge are positioned circumferentially around the member and then the split wedge is wedged in the cavity to maintain the external profile of the member engaged with the internal profile of the wedge segments of the split wedge.