Z-Shape Fastening Device Integral Breakable Joint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices require additional components for creating breakable joints, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating designed weaknesses, such as perforations, as integral breakable joints within the fastener levels to facilitate deployment without additional components, allowing the fastener, extender, and anchor levels to separate in a fan-like fashion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components (glue beads, welds, seams) are used to create breakable joints, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing process are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable joint is merged with the tape structure itself, forming an integral joint that is part of the fastener level rather than a separate component. This eliminates the need for additional elements like glue beads, welds, or seams while maintaining reliable connection during storage and controlled separation during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape is segmented with designed weaknesses (perforations) that allow controlled breaking at specific locations. This segmentation enables the fastener level to separate from the extender level during deployment while maintaining structural integrity during storage, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and device complexity.
2Strength
If additional components are used for breakable joints, then the joint strength is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable joint is integrated into the tape manufacturing process itself, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps to add glue beads, welds, or seams. This merging of functions simplifies manufacturing while ensuring consistent joint strength through controlled perforations in the tape structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fastening device uses multiple levels (anchor, extender, fastener), then the functionality is improved, but the profile size is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor level, extender level, and fastener level are nested together in a compact configuration during storage, with each level overlapping or adjacent to the others. This nesting arrangement maintains a small flat profile while preserving the full functionality of the multi-level fastening system during deployment.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3D
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A Z-shape fastening device (10) comprising an anchor level (30) for permanent attachment to an anchoring surface (26), an extender level (40), and a fastener level (50) for selective attachment to fastening surface (27). A first hinge (11) links the anchor's end section (31) to the extender's, end section (41) and a second hinge (12) links the extender's end section (42) to the fastener's end section (52). An integral breakable joint (13) joins the anchor's other end section (32) to the extender's other end section (42). Prior to deployment, the breakable joint (13) encourages the levels (30/40/50) to overlay each other in a generally flat profile. Upon fastener deployment, the joint (13) is broken to allow the levels (30/40/50) to separate in a fan-like fashion.