Two-Piece Fastener Assembly for Joining Different Material Thicknesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reusable attachment means fail to effectively join materials of different thicknesses, particularly when the thicknesses are substantially different.

Innovation Solution

A two-piece fastener assembly comprising a bolt portion and a locking base with complementary teeth that mechanically engage and disengage, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of substrates of varying thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing reusable attachment means are used, then attachment of materials is possible, but they fail to effectively join materials of different thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to join materials of different thicknessesVSAvoideffectiveness of joining

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is divided into two separate pieces: a bolt portion and a locking base portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bolt can be configured for one thickness while the locking base accommodates variations, enabling effective joining of materials with substantially different thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener system is designed to universally attach materials of the same or varying thicknesses. The complementary teeth mechanism and adjustable geometry allow a single fastener design to function across multiple thickness combinations, making it versatile for different substrate pairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single-piece fastener is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying thicknesses effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying thicknessesVSAvoidfastener structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By splitting the fastener into two pieces, the system achieves adaptability to varying thicknesses. The separate bolt and locking base portions can be independently configured and combined in different arrangements, allowing the same two-piece system to handle multiple thickness scenarios without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If reusable attachment means are designed for thick materials, then thick materials are secured, but thin materials cannot be properly attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strength for thick materialsVSAvoidattachment capability for thin materials

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener components feature locally optimized characteristics - the bolt portion can be designed with specific geometry for engaging thick materials while the locking base includes features for securing thin materials. The complementary teeth and channel geometry provide localized adaptation points that maintain strong attachment for both thick and thin substrates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12018711B1Two-piece fastener

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 EDWIN W INGALLS REVOCABLE TRUST

AI summary

A two-piece fastener used to combine two substrates of the same or differing thickness. The fastener may include a bolt portion and a locking base. The bolt portion and locking base may include complimentary sets of teeth that mechanically engage with one another when the bolt is passed through the two substrates and affixed to the locking base.