Toggle Fixing Strip Bending Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Toggle fixings often experience strip bending or buckling when the crosspiece is inserted through a through-hole, especially under high insertion forces or with narrow holes.
Innovation Solution
A toggle fixing design featuring a pivotally connected strip with a counter-bearing that supports the crosspiece during insertion, reducing the free length of the strip and distributing the insertion force, and incorporating a flexible portion with a reduced cross-section to alleviate bending resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the strip is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the crosspiece can be inserted through narrow holes, but the strip becomes prone to bending or buckling under high insertion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The strip is divided into two distinct segments: a flexible portion with reduced cross-section near the crosspiece that allows bending during insertion, and a rigid portion with full cross-section that maintains structural integrity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each segment to fulfill its specific function - the flexible portion prevents buckling while the rigid portion maintains strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the strip are given different mechanical properties - the flexible portion has reduced bending resistance locally where needed for insertion, while the rigid portion maintains full rigidity for structural support. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between needing rigidity for strength and flexibility for preventing buckling.
2Ease of operation
If the strip is made flexible to allow easy insertion, then the crosspiece can be inserted through narrow holes, but the strip lacks sufficient rigidity to resist bending or buckling under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The strip is segmented into a flexible portion that enables easy insertion through narrow holes by allowing bending, and a rigid portion that provides the necessary strength and rigidity. This segmentation allows the strip to be easy to operate during insertion while maintaining sufficient structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion is located specifically at the region where bending is needed for insertion, while the rigid portion is positioned where structural strength is required. This local differentiation of flexibility and rigidity resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength.
3Ease of operation
If the free length of the strip is increased to improve leverage during insertion, then insertion force is amplified, but the strip becomes more susceptible to bending or buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The strip is segmented such that the flexible portion provides the necessary leverage length for amplifying insertion force, while the rigid portion maintains buckling resistance. This segmentation allows the strip to have sufficient length for leverage without compromising structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion is positioned to provide optimal leverage during insertion operations, while the rigid portion is positioned to resist buckling forces. This local differentiation allows the strip to have both the length needed for leverage and the rigidity needed for stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A toggle fixing having a crosspiece and a strip which is pivotally connected to the crosspiece via a flexible portion. The crosspiece is formed with a detent with which the crosspiece, on insertion through a through-hole in a plasterboard panel, is supported against a toothing of the strip.