Triple-Clip Captive Fastener for Stable Subpanel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Captive screws face challenges in securing panels from the opposite side and accessing subpanels due to their design limitations, particularly in maintaining stability and preventing counter-rotation.
Innovation Solution
A captive fastener with a longitudinal slot for a hold out clip and dual push out clips, which apply outward force to stabilize the fastener during installation and resist movement, allowing secure engagement with both panels and subpanels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional captive screw is used, then the fastener can secure panels, but it cannot effectively secure panels from the opposite side or access subpanels
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple functional segments: a hold-out clip segment that prevents the fastener from falling through the panel, and dual push-out clips segmented at 180 degrees that enable subpanel access. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-out clip and push-out clips are nested within cavities in the shank, with the clips being received and retained by the shank structure. The clips can be inserted into and removed from the shank, creating a nested configuration that consolidates multiple functions within a single fastener body.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a captive screw is used, then the fastener remains in the panel when loosened, but it lacks stability and allows counter-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The push-out clips are positioned at specific locations (180 degrees apart) on the shank to provide localized stabilization points. The clips engage with the subpanel at specific engagement surfaces, creating localized contact points that prevent counter-rotation and provide directional stability where needed most.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-out clips act as intermediary elements between the fastener shank and the subpanel. These clips transfer and distribute forces between the fastener and panel structures, providing mechanical interference that prevents counter-rotation and stabilizes the fastener during installation and operation.
3Reliability
If a retainer is pressed or swaged into the panel, then the screw is prevented from falling out, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-out clip is designed to be retained by the shank through a cavity and slot mechanism, allowing the clip to automatically hold the fastener in place without requiring external pressing or swaging operations. The clip can be simply inserted into the shank and provides immediate retention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-out clip and push-out clips are pre-assembled with the shank in a nested configuration before installation. This preliminary assembly ensures that all retention and stabilization components are properly positioned and secured before the fastener is installed in the panel, eliminating the need for complex in-situ assembly operations.
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
The fastener effectively secures panels from the opposite side and enters subpanels securely, providing stability and preventing the fastener from falling out, while allowing easy disengagement of the nut for removal.
Implementation Method 1
The push out clips may be spaced one hundred eighty degrees apart in a preferred embodiment, and act as leaf springs to apply an outward force against the panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A captive fastener is disclosed having a longitudinal slot along the shank for receiving a hold out clip, and a pair of diametrically opposed slots for receiving a pair of push out clips. The push out clips are formed with hook shaped ends that catch and engage an edge of a wall surface to set the distance of depth of the fastener inside the wall. The hold out clip and push out clips are shaped to receded inside their respective slots in the presence of an interfering surface as the fastener passes through the wall in a first direction (insertion), but the push out clips will not recede into their slots in the second direction (withdrawal).