Toggle Fastener Abutment Jamming Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing toggle bolt design can jam when using screws with small thread diameters due to high frictional forces between the abutment element and the screw core, preventing further screw insertion.

Innovation Solution

A toggle bolt with a plastic beam and metal abutment elements, where the abutment elements are arranged to narrow the opening and a plastic body is movably connected to the beam, allowing the screw to push the abutment elements apart and engage with the thread securely, preventing jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid beam and abutment element design is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the screw insertion becomes difficult due to jamming on the screw core

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidscrew insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment element is designed with a spring-like structure that allows it to be elastic and movable. When a screw is inserted, the abutment element can flex and adapt to the screw core geometry, preventing jamming while maintaining structural strength. The elastic deformation enables the abutment element to move away from the screw core if contact occurs, allowing continuous screw insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the abutment element is positioned to engage small thread diameter screws, then the adaptability to different screw sizes is improved, but the frictional forces increase causing jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to screw sizesVSAvoidfrictional forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The abutment element's geometric parameters are optimized to reduce contact area with the screw core while maintaining engagement capability. The spring-like structure changes the contact dynamics from rigid friction to elastic interaction, where the abutment element can deform to accommodate the screw geometry without generating excessive frictional forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the beam is made rigid for structural stability, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the ability to accommodate screw insertion varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidscrew accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The beam maintains overall rigidity for structural stability and load-bearing capacity, but the abutment element integrated into the beam is designed with local elasticity. This local quality change allows the abutment element to adapt to different screw geometries while the rest of the beam structure remains rigid and strong.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 easy screw insertion and secure holding of screws with small thread diameters by preventing abutment element jamming on the screw core, distributing tensile forces effectively over the contact surface for maximum load handling.

Implementation Method 1

The band is pivotally connected to the beam. The pivoting connection allows the beam to be tilted relative to the belt so that it can be passed through a drilled hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting connection: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The opening has an internal thread for receiving a screw. The screw can be fastened in the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThread engagement: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3470691B1Toggle fastener
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 FISCHERWERKE ARTUR FISCHER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3470691B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470691B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3470691B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a toggle anchor (1) for fastening an object to a thin-walled component, comprising a beam (2) and a band (3) for holding the beam (2) during assembly, wherein the beam (2) has an opening (5) for receiving a screw (10), with two metal abutment elements (18) for improved screw (10) retention. To prevent certain screws (10) from jamming between the abutment elements (18), the invention proposes that a plastic body (21) be arranged on the side of each abutment element (18) facing the band (3), which is movably connected to the beam (2) via a web (22) and narrows the opening (5).