Tapered Channel Fastener Support for Secure Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel fasteners face challenges in easy positioning and retention on channel elements, with varying anchoring element thickness affecting holding force and ease of movement, and there is a risk of unintentional rotation when releasing the nut for repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A channel fastener with an elastic support made of thermoplastic material, featuring a tapering width design and spring members that provide a consistent holding force, and a blocking finger to prevent unintentional rotation, allowing for easy alignment and secure retention independent of anchoring element thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the anchoring element thickness is increased to improve holding force, then the holding force increases, but the ease of movement along the channel element decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is made of elastic material that can dynamically change its width through compression. In the unmounted state, the support has a larger width for easy insertion and movement. During mounting, the support is compressed to a smaller width to engage with the channel element flanges, providing secure retention. This dynamic transformation allows the fastener to provide both ease of movement during installation and strong holding force during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support's width parameter changes from a larger initial width to a compressed width when engaged with the channel element. The elastic material allows the support to be compressed between the flanges, changing its dimensional parameter to provide both easy insertion and secure retention. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both ease of operation and strong holding force at different stages.
2Force
If the support width is increased to improve holding force, then the holding force increases, but the ease of positioning and alignment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support dynamically transforms its width from a larger unmounted width that facilitates easy alignment and positioning to a compressed width during mounting that provides strong holding force. The elastic material enables this dynamic adaptation, allowing the installer to easily position the fastener initially, then secure it firmly when engaged with the channel element.
Solution Approach 2:
The support is designed with a larger initial width in the unmounted state to facilitate preliminary actions such as alignment and positioning. This preliminary configuration makes it easy to position the fastener correctly before final engagement. Once positioned, the support is compressed to provide the holding force for secure retention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability improves, but the adaptability to varying anchoring element thicknesses decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support's width parameter can change through elastic compression, allowing it to adapt to different anchoring element thicknesses. When the anchoring element is thinner, the support compresses more to maintain engagement. When thicker, it compresses less. This parameter change capability provides both structural stability during mounting and adaptability to varying dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support uses elastic material that combines the properties of flexibility for adaptation with sufficient structural stability when compressed. The elastic material allows the support to deform and adapt to varying anchoring element thicknesses while maintaining the structural integrity needed for secure fastening when engaged with the channel element.
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
Enables easier initial positioning and secure retention on channel elements with a consistent holding force, reducing the risk of unintentional rotation during repositioning and accommodating varying anchoring element thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
the support is made of an elastic material and in that the head portion and the connecting legs of the support form a tapering width from the head portion towards the bottom portion of the support, wherein at least the head portion at the location where it adjoins the legs has an initial width that exceeds the width of the longitudinal slot, such that when the anchoring element is aligned with the longitudinal slot of the channel element and inserted through the slot in the channel element, the legs and/or the head portion rub against the flanges and are/is elastically compressed such that the fastener can be held clamped between the flanges
Data Source
AI summary
A channel fastener for fastening an object to an elongate channel element having an elongate slot flanked by flanges includes an assembly of a rigid washer element, an oblong metal anchoring element and a support for the anchoring element, which support is connected to the washer element and carries the anchoring element. The support includes a head portion coupled to the washer element, a bottom portion supporting the anchoring element from below, and connecting legs, extend along a longitudinal side of the anchoring element from the head portion to the bottom portion. The head portion and the connecting legs of the support form a tapering width from the head portion towards the bottom portion of the support. At least the head portion at the location where it adjoins the legs has an initial width that exceeds the width of the longitudinal slot.