Toggle Fastener Ratchet Strap for Self-Aligning Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toggle fasteners are difficult to install efficiently due to the need to know the orientation of the cross bar after it has been inserted into a hole, making it challenging to align and secure properly.
Innovation Solution
A toggle fastener design featuring a ratchet strap and arm that pivot relative to each other, allowing for two blocking configurations with different angles, enabling the strap to flex and automatically set into a locking position, eliminating the need to manually align the arm once inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cross bar is inserted into a hole, then the fastener is installed, but the orientation of the cross bar becomes unknown and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet strap automatically performs the alignment function by pivoting relative to the arm and engaging blocking configurations. The strap self-adjusts to the correct orientation through its ratchet mechanism, eliminating the need for the installer to manually align or remember the cross bar orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators (such as colored markings or visible features on the ratchet strap and arm) to indicate the blocking configurations and correct orientation. These visual cues allow the installer to quickly identify the proper alignment state without needing to remember the orientation.
2Ease of operation
If the ratchet strap is made flexible to enable automatic locking, then installation becomes easier, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet strap is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to pivot and flex during installation to achieve the blocking configurations. This controlled flexibility enables the automatic locking mechanism while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of a single movable component (the strap) rather than multiple complex parts.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient installation by allowing the fastener to automatically lock into place without requiring the user to remember the orientation of the arm, improving installation speed and ease by utilizing the ratchet strap's elastic potential energy.
Implementation Method 1
attempting to pivot the rachet strap further in the first direction relative to the arm causes the rachet strap to recoverably flex
Data Source
AI summary
A toggle fastener includes an arm extending along a first axis and defining a threaded opening through the arm along a direction perpendicular to the first axis the toggle fastener. A rachet strap extends along a second axis and is pivotally coupled to the arm adjacent a proximal end of the rachet strap. The arm and rachet strap cooperate to block the arm and rachet strap from aligning. Pivoting the arm and the rachet strap relative to each other about a first direction, the angle between the first and second axes can be reduced to a first angle before further pivoting is blocked in a first blocking configuration of the toggle fastener. Attempting to pivot the rachet strap further in the first direction relative to the arm causes the rachet strap to recoverably flex.