Stackable Fastener With Rotating Force Member for Non-Threaded Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for bundling and securing elongate objects, such as electrical wires and hoses, face challenges including non-adjustability, difficulty in achieving consistent tension, damage to irregularly shaped cables, and the need for threaded surfaces for attachment, leading to inventory management issues and complexity in installation.
Innovation Solution
A stackable fastener with a cylindrical body and radially extending fingers, featuring a force member that can be rotated to expand or retract the fingers for secure attachment to non-threaded surfaces, allowing for adjustable tension and lightweight, cost-effective mounting without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If P clamps are used to secure elongate objects, then the objects can be held firmly, but the installation is difficult due to stiffness and excessive force damages soft cables
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple fingers that can independently flex and expand. Instead of a single rigid clamp, the segmentation allows each finger to adapt to the object's shape and reduce stress concentration, making installation easier while maintaining holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The fingers can flex during installation and then expand to secure the object, adapting to different object shapes and sizes while reducing the risk of damage during installation.
2Reliability
If P clamps are used to achieve consistent tension, then secure mounting is provided, but additional fillers are required to encircle objects and provide consistent compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented finger structure naturally distributes compressive force around the object, eliminating the need for additional fillers. Each finger independently contacts the object, providing uniform pressure distribution without requiring extra components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tie straps are used for bundling, then adjustable diameters accommodate various bundle sizes, but both sides of the mount must be accessible and additional adhesive or threaded fasteners are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the tie strap function with the mounting function into a single integrated fastener. The expansion fingers provide both the bundling mechanism and the mounting attachment, eliminating the need for separate adhesive or threaded fasteners and requiring access from only one side.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A stackable fastener is provided for mounting to a substrate having a non-threaded hole or for affixing to similar fasteners. The stackable fastener includes a body having a central bore, and a force member rotatable within the body's central bore. In addition, the fastener includes a plurality of fingers which extend axially from the fastener's body. Rotation of the force member causes the fingers to extend radially outward to lock within a substrate hole or within the central bore of a similar stackable fastener.