Compact Swivel Fastener with Offset Screw Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel attachment devices are either too large for practical use, lack sufficient mechanical resistance, or have complex designs that make it difficult to open and attach connecting straps, leading to inefficient load distribution and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact swivel attachment device with a pair of rings that rotate freely around a central pivot, featuring a hook-shaped ring with a lateral access space and a removable fixing screw offset from the axis of rotation, allowing for easy opening and secure closure with a spacer and screws that extend parallel to the pivot, ensuring tensile forces are centered on the axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional swivel attachment devices use two screws to close each ring, then the mechanical resistance is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing system is segmented into modular components: a closure element with a first screw for the first ring and a second screw for the second ring. This segmentation allows independent operation of each ring's closing mechanism, reducing overall complexity while maintaining mechanical resistance through distributed fastening points.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be removable and repositionable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the closing mechanism. The screws can be independently adjusted and removed, enabling easy opening and closing operations while maintaining secure fastening when closed, thus reducing operational complexity without compromising strength.
2Strength
If traditional swivel attachment devices use embedded screws, then the mechanical resistance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to invisibility of the closing state
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element and screws are designed with visible external features that indicate the closing state. The closure element extends beyond the ring surfaces when closed, providing visual confirmation of the fastening state while maintaining mechanical resistance through proper engagement of the screws with the ring structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the hidden mechanical fastening (screws) and the need for visible confirmation. It provides external visibility of the closing state while the screws maintain the mechanical resistance, separating the visual indication function from the structural fastening function.
3Strength
If shackles are used instead of compact swivels, then the mechanical resistance is improved, but the device size increases making it impractical for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel attachment device features nested rings where the first ring and second ring are positioned concentrically around a common axis. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall device volume while maintaining the mechanical resistance of a robust shackle-like structure, making it compact yet strong enough for practical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a linear shackle structure to a three-dimensional nested ring configuration. By arranging the rings concentrically around a common axis, the mechanical strength is distributed in multiple dimensions, achieving shackle-level resistance in a more compact, space-efficient form factor suitable for various mounting configurations.
4Ease of operation
If carabiners with self-closing gates are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device size increases and load distribution becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element incorporates self-aligning features where the first and second screws automatically position themselves during the closing operation. The closure element guides the screws into proper engagement positions, providing self-service alignment that simplifies operation without requiring complex self-closing gates or increasing device size.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
A swivel attachment device (10) comprising a pair of rings (11, 12) that can rotate freely relative to each other about a rotation axis (13) defined by a central pivot (30). At least one of the rings is shaped into a hook delimiting a lateral access space. A removable closing element, consisting of a spacer (14, 15) through which a fixing screw (20, 23) passes, is suitable for closing said space while partially absorbing the tensile forces.