Tensioning Device for Hollow Wall Fastener Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners with expanding nut heads for hollow walls face difficulty in rotational frictional grip, requiring manual axial force and special tools to tighten, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning device with a pair of extensions and an arcuate element that allows slidable contact between the screw shank and flange surfaces, enabling axial force application while rotating the screw, facilitating frictional contact of the expanding nut with the wall, thus simplifying the tightening process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an expanding nut head is used to increase loading area on the back side of the wall, then the wall can support greater weight, but the fastener becomes loose axially with play along the longitudinal axis, making tightening difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool that fits over the screw head to provide axial grip and prevent rotation during tightening. This mediator tool bridges the gap between the expanding nut head (which provides radial grip) and the screw shaft, enabling controlled axial compression without unwanted rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional segments: the expanding nut head handles radial expansion and wall engagement, while the screw shaft handles axial compression, and the intermediary tool handles rotational control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If manual axial force is applied to create rotational frictional contact between the expanded nut head and the blind side wall, then the fastener can be tightened, but a special tool is required to pull axially upon the rotating screw head
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary tool serves as a mediator that simplifies the tightening operation by providing both axial grip and rotational control in a single device, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary tool is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides axial grip on the screw head, prevents rotation during tightening, and facilitates the frictional contact between the expanding nut and the wall. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the screw thread is made axially long to accommodate the expanding nut poking through the wall hole, then the expanding nut has room to open, but the fastener requires special tools for tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary tool compensates for the long axial thread length by providing direct axial grip on the screw head, allowing the operator to apply force without needing to reach deep into the wall cavity or use complex mechanisms.
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 quick and easy tightening of fasteners by accommodating axial tension during screw rotation, reducing the need for manual force once the nut achieves rotational frictional contact with the wall, enhancing installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the nut head will expand in a radial manner behind the wall in an open state that is urged by typically a spring
Implementation Method 2
the expanded nut head has no rotational frictional grip on the blind backside of the wall
Implementation Method 3
the threaded screw will rotate and bring the nut and the head of the screw closer together axially to tighten the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioning device and method of use is disclosed, the tensioning device helps tighten a rotationally free screw including a head and an expanding nut, wherein the screw retains an article to a surface through an aperture in the surface. The tensioning device includes an extension and an arcuate element, wherein a user grasps the extension and positions the arcuate element about the screw and underneath the screw head then manually exerting an axial force to tension the screw causing frictional contact of the expanding nut to an opposing hidden surface thereby allowing the screw to be tightened as against the nut and securing the article to the surface.