Tethered Tree Fastener Assembly for Part Retention During Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tree fasteners are often provided as single, stand-alone pieces without a retention mechanism, leading to components being lost or misplaced during shipment and installation, which increases the time spent searching for missing parts.
Innovation Solution
A tree fastener assembly comprising a cap, a base, and a tethered strap that connects the cap to the base, along with a stem and offset wings for secure attachment to a rigid object, allowing the assembly to be retained during transport and assembly, and featuring a drive feature for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tree fasteners are provided as single, stand-alone pieces, then the fastener structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but components may be lost or misplaced during shipment and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastener components (cap, base, strap, stem, and wings) into a single integrated assembly where the strap tethers the cap to the base. This merging of components eliminates the problem of lost parts during shipment while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction techniques.
2Productivity
If components are provided separately, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but installation time increases due to searching for lost or misplaced components
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener components are pre-assembled with the strap tethering the cap to the base before shipment. This preliminary assembly action ensures all components are already in their correct positions, eliminating the need for users to search for misplaced parts during installation and significantly reducing installation time.
3Reliability
If the fastener includes a retention mechanism, then components remain secured during transport, but the fastener structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible strap as a retention mechanism that tethers the cap to the base. This thin film-like component provides effective component security during transport without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the strap is a simple flexible element that integrates easily into the fastener assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A tree fastener assembly includes a cap, a base, a strap that connects the cap with the base, and a stem that extends from the base. A plurality of first wings extend radially outward from the stem.