Tool-Free Weather Shield Fastener with Snap-Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for weather shields on windows require separate tools for attachment and detachment, making the process slow, cumbersome, and problematic during repairs or dismounting.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with a radial protrusion and snap-lock mechanism that allows manual activation, featuring a clog-shaped engagement member and snap locks for secure attachment and release without tools, along with a gasket for water prevention and elasticity for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to fasten the weather shield to the sash, then reliable fastening is achieved, but the fastening process becomes slow and cumbersome requiring separate tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw/bolt mechanical fastening system with a snap-lock mechanism. The fastener includes a connection part that extends through a hole in the weather shield and engages with the sash via a snap-lock action, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and separate tools while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to be manually activated without requiring separate tools. The user can directly engage and disengage the fastener by hand, making the system self-serviceable and eliminating the need for external fastening tools during installation or removal.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening systems are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process becomes problematic during repairs or dismounting
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener transitions from a static screwed connection to a dynamic snap-lock mechanism that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The connection part can be inserted through the hole and locked into place on one side, and easily released on the other side, enabling rapid dismounting for repairs without damaging components.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used around the weather shield, then reliable fastening is achieved, but the complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple identical fastener units distributed around the perimeter of the weather shield. Each fastener is an independent, simple unit with a connection part extending through a hole, engaging with the sash via snap-lock. This modular approach achieves reliable fastening through distribution while keeping each individual fastener simple.
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
Enables fast, reliable, and tool-free attachment and detachment of weather shields, ensuring secure fastening and easy handling while maintaining watertightness and preventing damage to the weather shield.
Implementation Method 1
Elasticity of the gasket provides for an easier fastening of the fastener
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
A fastener to be guided through a peripheral hole of a weather shield for fastening the latter to a hollow sash member profile of a window sash, said fastener comprising a head part connected to a connection part, said head part being adapted to be positioned abutting an upper surface of said weather shield, said connection part extending through said hole of said weather shield, said connection part extends into a radial protrusion with an engagement member for engaging a corresponding engagement means of said sash on activation of said fastener, thereby fastening said weather shield to said sash.