Threaded Rod Speed Fastener With Radial Screw Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for threaded rods require significant effort and time to engage at positions other than the free end, and while faster engagement solutions compromise holding strength, there is a need for a fastener that can rapidly engage at any axial position with equivalent or greater holding strength, especially for heavier items.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with a body featuring a central aperture and transverse aperture, where an engagement screw can move between retracted and extended positions to centrally engage a threaded rod, providing opposition with the threaded inner surface for secure engagement, and optionally includes a tool-receiving recess and a groove for a clip to inhibit item movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fasteners are threaded onto the rod and rotated to move the fastener up the rod to the desired position, then the holding strength is maintained, but the time and effort required for engagement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion for engagement with the rod, an expansion mechanism within the body, and a locking feature. This segmentation allows the fastener to be inserted quickly as a single unit while the internal expansion mechanism provides the holding strength, separating the insertion action from the locking action to reduce engagement time
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener employs a dynamic expansion mechanism where the body expands radially after insertion to engage with the rod. This dynamic transformation from a compact insertion state to an expanded holding state eliminates the need for manual rotation or threading, providing both rapid engagement and secure holding
2Productivity
If fasteners are designed to reduce the time and effort required to engage at a desired position, then the engagement speed improves, but the holding strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener transitions from axial insertion to radial expansion, changing the dimension of engagement. The fastener is inserted axially along the rod for rapid positioning, then expands radially to create holding strength. This dimensional change allows quick linear insertion while achieving secure radial engagement without manual rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener changes its physical parameters during engagement: the diameter of the body increases through expansion, and the engagement force increases as the expansion mechanism activates. This parameter change from a small insertion diameter to a larger expanded diameter provides both rapid insertion and strong holding capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If the threaded inner surface extends approximately 180 degrees about the central aperture, then the engagement stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded inner surface covers approximately 180 degrees of the central aperture rather than a full 360 degrees, creating an asymmetric engagement pattern. This asymmetric threading provides sufficient stability for the application while reducing the amount of threading required, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener includes a body defining a central aperture and an insertion opening in communication with the central aperture. The body includes a threaded inner surface defining at least a portion of the central aperture and extending approximately 180 degrees about the central aperture. The body further defines a transverse aperture extending radially inwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the body in general alignment with the transverse aperture and in communication with the central aperture. An engagement screw is selectively engagable within the transverse aperture of the body and is movable relative to the body between a retracted position, wherein the engagement screw is disposed within the transverse aperture, and an extended position, wherein the engagement screw extends radially inwardly towards the threaded inner surface of the body for engaging a threaded rod within the central aperture of the body between the threaded inner surface and the engagement screw.