Weldable Fastener Structure for Repeatable Coupling and Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coupling and separating objects using fasteners are not effective in achieving a firm and repeatable connection, as the objects become inseparable and difficult to disengage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fastener with a weldable surface and an engaging or hole portion, where a tool grips and positions the fastener above an object, allowing it to be pressed and released for welding, with a holding portion that retains solidified solder, enabling secure coupling and easy separation of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening methods using screws are used to couple objects together, then the objects become inseparable, but the objects cannot be quickly separated and re-coupled
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional portions: a weldable surface for permanent attachment to the first object, and an engaging portion with holding features for reversible coupling with the second object. This segmentation allows the permanent and temporary connection functions to be separated, enabling quick separation while maintaining connection firmness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is pre-positioned at a predetermined height above the fitting position using a tool before release. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate placement and proper alignment with the object, enabling quick and reliable coupling without requiring complex adjustment procedures during the fastening process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the fastener is pressed downward against the object during positioning, then the fastener achieves accurate placement, but the tool must maintain grip during pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design includes features that enable it to be self-positioned at the correct location. The tool simply releases the fastener at the predetermined height, and the fastener's own geometry and the fitting position guide its accurate placement, eliminating the need for complex tool-controlled pressing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is positioned at a predetermined height above the fitting position, creating an equipotential state where the fastener is ready for release. This pre-positioning ensures that when the tool releases the fastener, it naturally settles into the correct placement position without requiring complex active control during the pressing operation.
3Reliability
If liquid-state solder flows into the holding portion during welding, then the solder can cool and solidify to secure the fastener, but the solder may fall off due to interference or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is designed as a nested structure where the solidified solder is contained within the engaging portion or hole portion of the fastener. This nesting protects the solder from external interference and impact, preventing it from falling off while maintaining the secure bond between the fastener and the first object.
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 method allows for a firm and repeatable connection between objects, enabling quick coupling and separation, while preventing solder from falling off due to interference or impact, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the fastening process.
Implementation Method 1
the weldable surface and the corresponding weldable surface are heated up and welded to each other
Implementation Method 2
the solder between the weldable surface and the corresponding weldable surface turns into liquid state when heated up
Implementation Method 3
the liquid-state solder in the holding portion cools and solidifies
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fitting a fastener to an object is introduced. The fastener has a weldable surface and an engaging portion or a hole portion. One end of the hole portion or one end of the engaging portion has a holding portion. During a welding heating process, solder flows into or enters the holding portion and then cools down and solidifies therein so as to be held therein. Therefore, the weldable surface and the holding portion together enable the fastener to be firmly coupled to an object. The engaging portion and the hole portion together enable an object to be coupled to or removed from another object, so as to couple together and separate at least two objects repeatedly and quickly.