Toggle Fastener With Radially Movable Engagement Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toggle bolts require more time to screw in due to the need for axial force dissipation and alignment issues, making them less user-friendly for attaching objects to thin-walled components like plasterboards.
Innovation Solution
A toggle bolt design with a radially movable engagement element that can be deactivated to allow easy screw insertion, providing a stiffer support and automatic activation upon screw engagement, allowing for faster assembly and adaptation to different screw diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the screw is screwed through the sleeve with thread engagement, then axial forces are dissipated and the beam is prevented from being pushed off, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element is designed to be radially movable between an engaged position (for force dissipation) and a retracted position (for quick screw insertion). This dynamic transformation allows the system to switch between stability mode and installation mode, resolving the contradiction between reliable force transmission and quick assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element is pre-configured in a retracted position that allows the screw to be inserted without threading immediately. The threading action then automatically moves the engagement element into the engaged position, performing the force-dissipating function as a preliminary result of the insertion process itself.
2Productivity
If the screw is pushed through the sleeve, then assembly is faster, but axial forces cause the beam to be pushed off and deviation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element acts as an intermediary between the screw and the beam. It provides a controlled interface that allows the screw to be inserted quickly while simultaneously preventing the beam from being pushed off by axial forces, thus mediating between speed and stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element transitions from a retracted state during insertion to an engaged state during loading. This dynamic behavior allows the system to accommodate both the speed requirement (during insertion) and the stability requirement (during loading), resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the engagement element is made rigid for stable screw support, then alignment is improved, but adaptation to different screw diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element's key parameter is its radial position, which can change between retracted and engaged states. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different screw diameters (in retracted state) while providing stable alignment (in engaged state), resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially movable engagement element dynamically adjusts its position based on the insertion phase. During insertion, it is retracted to accommodate various screw diameters. During loading, it moves to the engaged position to provide rigid support and precise alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
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
Significantly reduces assembly time by enabling quicker screw insertion and secure axial force transmission, enhancing user-friendliness and stability during the attachment process.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve has in particular a resilient element for thread engagement. Through the thread engagement, axial forces are dissipated from the screw via the sleeve onto the thin-walled component
Implementation Method 2
The band is thereby 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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a toggle anchor (1) for fastening an object to a thin-walled component (2), comprising a beam (4) for engaging behind the component (2), which has an opening (7) for receiving a screw (21). A long, extended band (5) is connected to the beam (4) and to a sliding sleeve (6) which has a screw hole (26) for the screw (21) to pass through. The sleeve (6) has an engagement element (28) for the threaded engagement of a screw (21) to prevent the screw from unintentionally tilting the beam (4) during assembly. To enable the rapid insertion of a screw (21), the invention proposes that the engagement element (28) has a manipulation element (34) such that the engagement element (28) is movable radially outwards to the longitudinal axis (L3), and that the engagement element (28) is manipulationable from a rear side (20) of the sleeve (6) facing away from the beam (4).