Self-Centering Stud Retainer with Flexible Engaging Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening assemblies are often incompatible with different types of studs and can become misaligned, leading to reduced retaining force due to stripping during threadable engagement.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering and aligning stud retainer apparatus with flexible tethering beams and inwardly curved engaging legs that automatically align and securely engage with studs, maximizing surface contact through fingers that dig into the stud's outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening assemblies are designed to receive specific types of studs, then the retaining force is maintained, but the compatibility with different types of studs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging legs are designed with flexible tethering beams that allow the legs to flex and adapt to different stud diameters and configurations. This flexibility enables the same fastening assembly to reliably engage various stud types by adjusting the engagement parameters rather than requiring different assemblies for each stud type.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging legs incorporate flexible tethering beams that allow dynamic adjustment during the engagement process. As the fastening assembly is secured to the stud, the flexible legs can bend and conform to the specific stud geometry, maintaining reliable retaining force across different stud types through dynamic adaptation rather than static design.
2Reliability
If conventional fastening assemblies are secured to studs through threadable engagement, then the fastening is secured, but misalignment may occur causing stripping and reduced retaining force
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging legs perform preliminary alignment action before the fastening assembly is fully secured to the stud. The flexible legs extend outward to make initial contact with the stud, guiding and centering the assembly during insertion. This preliminary self-alignment prevents misalignment and stripping during the engagement process, ensuring reliable retaining force from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tethering beams enable the engaging legs to automatically self-align with the stud during engagement. The legs flex and conform to the stud's position and orientation without requiring external alignment tools or manual adjustment, making the alignment process self-service and eliminating misalignment issues that would reduce retaining force.
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 stud retainer apparatus securely fastens components to structures by automatically centering and aligning with various types of studs, enhancing retaining force and compatibility with different stud configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second flexible tethering beams allow the first and second engaging legs to flex with respect to a central axis of the stud retainer
Implementation Method 2
The inwardly-curved nature maximizes the surface engagement between the engaging legs and outer surfaces of the stud
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly configured to secure at least one component to a structure may include a base, at least one member configured to receive and retain a portion of a component, and a stud retainer extending from the base. The stud retainer may include first and second engaging legs within a retaining chamber. The first and second engaging legs are configured to automatically align the stud retainer with respect to a stud that passes into the retaining chamber.