Threadless Positioning Fastener With Keyway Locking for Tight-Space Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning pin devices are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly in tight spaces, for precisely positioning elements in industries like building construction and automotive, where threaded attachments require multiple turns and increase manufacturing time.
Innovation Solution
A threadless positioning fastener system comprising a pin and retainer with a keyway configuration that allows for secure attachment with minimal turning, enabling efficient and precise positioning of elements without the need for threaded engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded positioning pins are used for secure attachment, then reliability of connection is improved, but manufacturing time and operational efficiency deteriorate due to multiple turns required
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pin is divided into two separate components: a pin body with head and a retainer with key. The pin is inserted first, then the retainer is separately installed and engaged with the keyway, eliminating the need for threading while maintaining secure connection through the key-retainer interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading function is extracted and replaced by a keyway-retainer engagement mechanism. The retainer with its key feature engages with the keyway in the pin, providing secure attachment without requiring threaded engagement, thus reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional threaded fasteners are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases due to threaded engagement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into insertion (pin body) and engagement (retainer with key) phases. This separates the positioning function from the securing function, simplifying each component's design and reducing overall system complexity compared to integrated threaded fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex threaded engagement mechanism is replaced by a simpler keyway-retainer system. The retainer's key feature slides into and locks within the keyway, providing secure attachment with fewer moving parts and simpler geometry than threaded bolts or screws.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning pins are used in tight spaces, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to space constraints on assembly lines
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage installation process allows the pin body to be inserted first for precise positioning in tight spaces, then the retainer is engaged separately to secure the connection. This segmentation enables operation in confined areas where a single threaded fastener would be difficult to maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin body is inserted and positioned in the tight space first, establishing precise alignment before the retainer is engaged to secure the connection. This preliminary positioning action enables accurate placement in constrained environments without requiring complex maneuvering of the entire fastening assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a threadless positioning pin includes a head end, a pilot end, a positioning shank, a retainer shank, and a keyway. In another embodiment, a threadless positioning retainer includes a first end, a second end, an exterior, and an interior with a key extending from an inner surface proximate the first end. In another embodiment, a threadless positioning fastener includes a threadless positioning pin and a threadless positioning retainer, including an interior with a key configured to ride in a keyway of the threadless positioning pin. In another embodiment, a method of joining assembly elements includes providing a primary element, advancing a threadless positioning pin through a positioning hole so that a key rides along a keyway, and rotating the threadless positioning pin so that the key engages the keyway to trap the primary element between the threadless positioning pin and a threadless positioning retainer.