Spring-Biased Cleaning Arms for Fastener Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining boat fasteners are ineffective in removing corrosion and dirt without damaging the surrounding surfaces, and lubricants like petroleum jelly are messy and difficult to apply accurately.
Innovation Solution
A maintenance device with a housing and dynamic body, equipped with spring-biased cleaning arms and a lubricant container, designed to clean and lubricate both male and female fastener ends, ensuring appropriate lubrication application without excess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If harsh chemicals are used to clean fasteners, then corrosion and salt are removed effectively, but the surrounding surfaces of the boat are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cleaning function into separate components: a cleaning arm with abrasive material for removing corrosion, and a lubrication system for protecting the fastener. This segmentation allows the cleaning action to be focused precisely on the fastener surface without affecting surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a non-marring interface between the cleaning action and the fastener surface. The cleaning arm uses controlled abrasion followed by lubricant application, which acts as an intermediary to protect the fastener while enabling effective corrosion removal without the need for harsh chemicals that could damage surrounding surfaces.
2Productivity
If a hard tool with metallic end is used to scrape corrosion, then corrosion is removed, but the surface of the boat or fastener is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the parameters of the cleaning action by using a controlled abrasive material on the cleaning arm rather than a hard metallic tool. This allows for effective corrosion removal through controlled abrasion that can be precisely regulated, followed by lubricant application to protect the surface and prevent further damage.
3Reliability
If grease-type lubricant is applied directly with a swab, then the fastener is protected from corrosion, but the lubricant is messy and difficult to apply accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service lubrication application through the integrated system where the cleaning arm and lubrication components work together. The lubricant is applied through a controlled mechanism that automatically delivers the appropriate amount to the fastener surface during the cleaning process, eliminating the mess and imprecision associated with manual swab application.
4Reliability
If petroleum jelly is applied to fasteners, then corrosion protection is achieved, but the lubricant runs and oozes when exposed to sun
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the parameters of the lubricant application by using a controlled delivery system that applies the lubricant in precise amounts and configurations. This ensures the lubricant remains stable under solar exposure by preventing excess application that would lead to running and oozing, while still providing adequate corrosion protection.
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
Effectively removes corrosion and dirt from fasteners while applying the right amount of lubrication, protecting the fasteners and preventing damage to the boat surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A spring positioned between the body and the housing biases the body and arms to a relaxed and extended position
Implementation Method 2
Attached to the slidable body is a pair of cleaning arms that comprise an abrasive material
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a maintenance device having a central body and a lubricant container attached to the upper end of the central body. At a lower end of the central body, at least one dynamic body is provided and biased by a spring to an extended position relative to the central body. The dynamic member comprises a pair of cleaning arms that are outwardly biased. As a compression force is applied to the dynamic body, the biasing spring is compressed and the dynamic body is moved toward a retracted position relative to the central body. As the dynamic body retracts, the cleaning arms pivot inward and engage the fastener for cleaning.