Insulation Fastener With Variable Thickness Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements for insulating materials are inflexible and require precise manufacturing of openings, leading to high insertion forces when openings are too small or insufficient holding power when they are too large, limiting their adaptability to different sizes.
Innovation Solution
The fastening element features radially protruding ribs with a thickness that decreases in sections away from the shank, increasing flexibility while maintaining stability near the shaft, allowing better adaptation to varying opening sizes and forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ribs are made stiff to provide sufficient holding power, then the holding force is improved, but the insertion force becomes very high when openings are too small
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure implements local quality by having different thicknesses at different locations: the base section adjacent to the shaft maintains greater thickness for stiffness and holding power, while the free end section has reduced thickness for flexibility and easier insertion. This spatial variation in structural properties allows the rib to simultaneously provide both insertion ease and holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib is segmented into multiple sections with different thicknesses along its length from the shaft outward. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: a stiffer base region for anchoring and a more flexible tip region for adaptation to opening variations, resolving the contradiction between holding force and insertion force.
2Strength
If the opening diameter is reduced to increase holding power, then the holding force is improved, but the insertion force becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The rib thickness parameter is changed along its length, transitioning from a uniform thickness design to a variable thickness design. This parameter variation allows the rib to adapt to different opening diameters while maintaining adequate holding power, reducing the sensitivity to precise opening dimensions.
3Strength
If the ribs are made thicker to provide sufficient holding power, then the holding force is improved, but the flexibility of the ribs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the rib have different thicknesses to provide locally optimized properties: the base section has greater thickness for strength and holding power, while the free end section has reduced thickness for flexibility and adaptability to different opening sizes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ribs are made more flexible to adapt to different opening sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the holding power becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rib is divided into segments with different thicknesses: the base segment maintains sufficient thickness for holding power, while the free end segment has reduced thickness for flexibility. This segmentation allows the rib to simultaneously achieve both adaptability and holding strength.
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
This design enables easier insertion and enhanced holding power by adapting to different opening sizes, reducing insertion force and increasing holding force as the fastener is inserted deeper, with adjustable rib thickness and configuration for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
the ribs are partially deformed or bent over, as a result of which the fastening element is clamped in the opening and is thus held in a frictionally engaged manner
Implementation Method 2
the thickness of at least one rib decreases at least in sections in the radial direction away from the shaft. Starting from the shank, the ribs thus become thinner in the radial direction, as a result of which the flexibility of the ribs increases in the radial direction away from the shank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing element (10) for insulating materials, especially for insulating boards, comprising a shaft (12) and a plate provided on a first end of the shaft (12), radially protruding, longitudinally (L) extending ribs (20) being provided on the second end (18) of the shaft opposite the plate. The thickness of at least one rib (20) decreases at least in some sections in the radial direction (R) away from the shaft (12).