Flexible Surface Fastening Point Without Penetration Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for flexible surface elements, such as tarpaulins, often require penetration and damage the surface, leading to stress concentration and increased risk of tearing, and do not allow for flexible positioning of fastening points.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device comprising a first and second base body part with a positive locking mechanism that connects through an opening in the surface element's plane, allowing for a freely positionable fastening point without penetrating the surface, using a force-fit connection and engagement parts to distribute force evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hollow rivet is used to create a fastening point, then an attachment point can be formed, but the surface element must be penetrated causing damage and stress concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment point formationVSAvoidsurface damage and stress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is divided into two separate base body parts that are connected through the surface element without penetrating it. The first base body part has an engagement part that connects to a receiving part on the second base body part, distributing the connection across multiple points rather than requiring a single penetrating hole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The surface element itself acts as an intermediary between the two base body parts. Instead of penetrating the surface element to create a fastening point, the engagement part of the first base body part connects to the receiving part of the second base body part through the surface element, using the surface element as a mediator rather than damaging it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fastening devices are placed around edges or seams, then fastening points can be created, but they are arranged outside the actual surface of the tarpaulin

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening point creationVSAvoidfastening point accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device transitions from edge-based placement to surface-based placement by using a third dimension - the engagement part connects to the receiving part through the thickness of the surface element. This allows fastening points to be created anywhere on the surface rather than being constrained to edges or seams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If buttons are used on fabric surface elements, then attachment points can be created, but they must be sewn on which compromises the flexible surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment point formationVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is self-installing through the surface element without requiring external sewing or permanent attachment methods. The two base body parts are connected through the surface element using engagement and receiving parts that secure the connection without compromising the flexible surface, eliminating the need for sewing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4484190B1Fastening device for creating a freely positionable fastening point on a flexible surface element, and surface element
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 PROTANIC GARTENTECHN GMBH
  • EP4484190B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3b
  • EP4484190B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening device for creating a freely positionable fastening point on a flexible surface element, comprising a first base body part and a second base body part, wherein the first base body part and the second base body part are separate and unconnected in an unmounted position and, in a mounted position, are connected to each other to form a base body by means of a positive locking connection of a first engagement part to a first receiving part along a first intersection axis through at least one opening in the plane of the surface element, wherein the base body has a first force-fit fastening device connected to the base body and, in the mounted position, the surface element is held between the first base body part and the second base body part, wherein the first fastening device is arranged completely on one of the two base body parts.so that the formation of a first fastening point along the surface plane on a first fastening side of the surface element is possible without the surface element penetrating the first fastening device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a surface element.