Fastener with a wear surface

Abstract

A fastener for coupling a first component to a second component is disclosed. The fastener includes a body portion and a head portion extending from the body portion. The body portion includes a plurality of ribs connected to one another by bridges at a flex section to define a snap channel for receiving a snap post. The head portion includes a plurality of arms. Each arm of the plurality of arms is coupled to a respective rib of the plurality of ribs at a connection point. An engagement wear region is provided on an outer surface of at least one of the arms or the ribs, the engagement wear region including a core surface region, a bi-conical engagement surface region, and an edge region.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 727,277, filed December 3, 2024, entitled “Riblok with Taper for WearSurface,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive components require simple fastening techniques for manufacturing and assembly. Furthermore, these fastening techniques must first and foremost be reliable and efficient. Fasteners such as pins and cable ring fasteners can be used to secure sub-panels to the main panel.

[0003] Various types of fasteners are used to secure components. For example, in the case of a vehicle's dashboard, fasteners can be used to hold adjacent panels together or to secure one or more objects to the panel. One type of fastener can be used with holes of different types, sizes, and shapes provided in the components to be secured together. In other words, for this type of fastener used to secure components, at least one of the components has a hole. One of these components is mounted on the fastener, while the other component with the hole receives the fastener component assembly.

[0004] Therefore, despite the various advancements made to date, there is still a desire to provide a further improved plastic fastener. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally relates to a fastening system, substantially as shown and described with respect to at least one of the accompanying drawings and more fully set forth in the claims, for forming a blind joint between panels (such as automotive panels). Attached Figure Description

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples as shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals denote like or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the principles of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein.

[0007] Figure 1 An isometric assembly drawing of the fastening system, based on one aspect of the disclosed content, is shown.

[0008] Figures 2A to 2C show side views of the fastening system during the continuous assembly phase.

[0009] Figures 3A and 3B show isometric views of the top and bottom sides of the fastener, respectively.

[0010] Figures 3C and 3D show the front and rear views of the fastener.

[0011] Figures 3E and 3F show the first and second side views of the fastener.

[0012] Figures 3G and 3H show the top and bottom views of the fastener, respectively.

[0013] Figure 4A shows a detailed view of the wear area at the joint of the fastener.

[0014] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the joint wear area taken along section line A–A of Figure 3C.

[0015] Figures 5A to 5C show detailed isometric views of the joint wear area under three different wear conditions.

[0016] Figures 6A to 6C show additional detailed isometric views of the joint wear area under the same three wear conditions.

[0017] Figures 7A to 7C show side views of the joint wear area of ​​fasteners under three wear conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0018] References to singular items should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are configured to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Unless otherwise indicated herein, descriptions of ranges of values ​​are not configured to be restrictive, but rather to individually refer to any and all values ​​falling within and / or including that range, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the description as if it were described separately herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” and “back” are convenient words and should not be construed as restrictive terms. For example, while in some examples the first side is positioned as adjacent to or near the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order in which these sides are ordered.

[0019] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be understood as indicating deviations, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose. Ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein only as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (“for example,” “like,” etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The terms “for example (e.g.)” and “for example” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0020] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more items in the list linked by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y, and z".

[0021] In one example, the plastic fastener includes: a fastener body having at least one outer surface configured to contact a component during installation or removal; and at least one engagement wear region formed on the outer surface, wherein the engagement wear region is shaped such that material removal from the engagement wear region during use increases the contact surface area configured to engage the component.

[0022] In some examples, the joint wear area includes the core surface area, the biconical joint surface area, and the edge area.

[0023] In some examples, the double-conical engagement surface region includes a first cone in the width direction of the fastener body and a second cone in the longitudinal direction of the fastener body.

[0024] In some examples, the biconical joint surface region is located between the core surface region and the edge region.

[0025] In some examples, the wear zone extends along the length of the fastener body.

[0026] In some examples, wear in the joint wear area reduces the engagement length of the fastener in the disengagement direction.

[0027] In some examples, the wear area is molded as a single unit with the fastener body.

[0028] In some examples, fasteners are configured to engage sheet metal parts.

[0029] In some examples, the plastics include polypropylene, polyamide, acetal, ABS, polyethylene, or combinations thereof.

[0030] In another example, a fastener includes: a body portion having a pair of ribs extending along the length of the fastener; a head portion having a pair of arms, each arm extending from a corresponding rib; and an engagement wear region disposed on the outer surface of at least one of the arms or ribs, wherein the engagement wear region is configured to engage a component surface during insertion or removal of the fastener, and wherein material removal from the engagement wear region during use increases the contact surface area between the fastener and the component.

[0031] In some examples, the joint wear area includes the core surface area, the biconical joint surface area, and the edge area.

[0032] In some examples, the double-conical engagement surface region includes a first cone in the width direction of the fastener and a second cone in the length direction of the fastener.

[0033] In some examples, the biconical joint surface region is located between the core surface region and the edge region.

[0034] In some examples, the wear area extends along at least a portion of the arm's length.

[0035] In some examples, the increased contact surface area caused by wear allows the separation force required to remove the fastener from the component to be maintained or increased.

[0036] In some examples, wear in the joint wear area reduces the engagement length of the fastener in the disengagement direction.

[0037] In some examples, the fasteners are formed from polymer materials.

[0038] In some examples, the fastener further includes a snap-fit ​​channel configured to receive a snap-fit ​​post of the second component.

[0039] In another example, the plastic fastener includes: a body portion having a pair of ribs extending along the length of the fastener; a head portion having a pair of arms, each arm extending from a corresponding rib; and an engagement wear region disposed on the outer surface of at least one of the arms or ribs, the engagement wear region including a core surface region, a biconical engagement surface region, and an edge region, wherein the biconical engagement surface region includes a first cone in the width direction of the fastener and a second cone in the length direction of the fastener, wherein the engagement wear region extends along at least a portion of the length of the arm or rib, and wherein material removal from the engagement wear region during insertion or removal increases the contact surface area between the fastener and the component.

[0040] In some examples, the joint wear area includes the core surface area, the biconical joint surface area, and the edge area.

[0041] Figure 1 An isometric assembly drawing of a fastening system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. The illustrated fastening system 100 includes a fastener 102 configured to connect a first component 104 to a second component 110 via a snap-fit ​​post 112 associated with the second component 110. The fastener 102 is used to achieve the connection between the first component 104 and the second component 110. The first component 104 and the second component 110 may be, for example, an automotive panel.

[0042] The first component 104, the second component 110, and the snap-fit ​​post 112 can be made of materials such as metals, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or combinations thereof. In automotive applications, these panels can include door trim panels, trim strips, trim pieces, hoods, doors, pillars (e.g., A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, etc.), dashboard components (e.g., crossbeams, brackets, frames), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, sheet metal frames, and other substrates for inner or outer surfaces.

[0043] The first component 104 includes one or more openings 106, while the second component 110 includes one or more snap-fit ​​posts 112, which, for example, have a bearing portion 116. Each opening 106 is configured to receive or engage a fastener 102 and its corresponding snap-fit ​​post 112. The fastener 102 and its corresponding snap-fit ​​post 112 may be configured as a part in a pre-assembled (PIA) state 108. The snap-fit ​​post 112 is configured to engage the fastener 102 by, for example, features of the fastener 102 and the bearing portion 116. The first component 104 defines an A surface 104a and a B surface 104b (bottom surface), and similarly, the second component 110 defines an A surface 110a and a B surface 110b (bottom surface). The A surface 104a of the first component 104 is an outward-facing surface, while the B surface 104b is an inward-facing surface. When assembled, the A surface 104a of the first component 104 faces the B surface 110b of the second component 110.

[0044] Surface 110a (also known as a Class A surface) remains visible after assembly and is typically aesthetically optimized (e.g., textured, coated, or decorated) and typically lacks attachments or associated features. In contrast, surface 110b or a Class B surface is concealed after assembly and typically incorporates various attachments or associated features. For example, in a vehicle's instrument panel, the second component 110 may be a dashboard, and the first component 104 may be a gauge plate mounted on the dashboard, or vice versa.

[0045] The second component 110 may incorporate attachment devices or features protruding from surface B 110b, such as snap-fit ​​posts 112. Each snap-fit ​​post 112 is generally perpendicular to the second component 110 and may include a bearing portion 116 (such as a slot or window) configured to receive or engage part of the fastener 102. The snap-fit ​​posts 112 may be integrally formed with the second component 110 (e.g., co-molded) or separately attached (e.g., using adhesive) to the second component 110.

[0046] Fastener 102 can be secured to the snap post 112 of the second component 110 to form an assembled part 108. For example, fastener 102 defines a snap channel 114 configured to receive at least a portion of the snap post 112 (e.g., starting from the front end of the snap post 112). The assembled part 108 can then be attached to the first component 104 by the end user. In some scenarios, the assembled part 108 is pre-assembled in a factory and shipped to the end user for final assembly with the first component 104.

[0047] In some examples, the fastener 102 is configured to be ergonomically compliant during insertion into the opening 106 of the first component 104, thus requiring a relatively low insertion force. However, during separation from or withdrawal from the opening 106, the fastener 102 may require a significantly higher force compared to insertion. In other words, the fastener 102 is configured to have a low insertion force but a relatively high separation force. It is worth noting that the insertion force and separation force are independent of each other.

[0048] Fastener 102 can be made of a generally rigid material (such as plastic). Fastener 102 can be made of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers, such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), or combinations thereof. Notably, fastener 102 can be made of plastic while remaining suitable for use with metal components. Thus, in one example, fastener 102 is made of plastic, while the first component 104 and / or the second component 110 are metal, plastic, composite materials, etc.

[0049] Fastener 102 can be formed using a plastic injection molding process. In other examples, fastener 102 can be a printed thermoplastic part formed using additive manufacturing techniques, which are advantageous for creating complex or intricate features. Additive manufacturing eliminates the need for mold processing associated with injection molding, thereby reducing initial manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous for small-batch production. Example additive manufacturing processes include material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM)), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed melting, directional energy deposition, or VAT photopolymerization.

[0050] Figures 2A through 2C show side views of the example fastening system 100 at different stages of assembly. Specifically, Figure 2A shows the second component 110, where fastener 102 is sliding onto the snap-fit ​​post 112 of the second component 110 (as indicated by arrow 202) to define the assembled part 108. Figure 2B shows the assembled part 108 with the fastener 102 and snap-fit ​​post 112 at least partially inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104, as indicated by arrow 204. Figure 2C shows the assembled part 108 fully assembled with the first component 104.

[0051] Figures 3A to 3H show... Figure 1Detailed views of the fastener 102 shown in Figures 2A to 2C are provided. Specifically, Figures 3A and 3B show isometric views of the top and bottom sides of the fastener 102, respectively. Figures 3C and 3D show the front and rear views of the fastener 102, while Figures 3E and 3F show the first and second side views. Figures 3G and 3H show the top and bottom views, respectively. For simplicity and ease of understanding, Figures 3A to 3E are described in conjunction with each other.

[0052] Fastener 102 generally includes a body portion 302 and a head portion 306, which together define a first end 314 and a second end 324. The body portion 302 includes a plurality of ribs 304. As shown, two sets of parallel ribs 304 are connected at one end by a curved section 312 located at the front end (e.g., the second end 324), thereby forming a snap-fit ​​channel 114. As shown in Figures 3C and 3D, when viewed from the side, this snap-fit ​​channel has a generally U-shaped or V-shaped profile. The curved section 312 defines a second end 324 opposite to the first end 314.

[0053] A head portion 306 extends from a body portion 302 and includes a plurality of arms 308. Each arm 308 is connected to a free end of a rib 304 and extends away from the body portion 302 (i.e., away from the second end 324 and toward the first end 314). The arms 308 are arranged as two sets of parallel arms 308 (corresponding to and extending from the two sets of ribs 304), which are connected at one end by a connecting element 316 located at a rear end (e.g., the first end 314). The arms 308 cantilever at their connection point 310 at an angle relative to the rib 304, thereby allowing the arms to hinge or flex at the connection between each arm 308 and the rib 304. The connecting element 316 is positioned at the first end 314 of the fastener 102.

[0054] Therefore, the fastener 102 includes two connecting elements 316 at the first end 314, one on each side of the curved section 312. Each connecting element 316 includes a wing feature 332 extending away from the axis 330. The connecting element 316 is shaped to define a wing feature 332 extending outward from the fastener 102 at its distal end. In operation, a user can use the engagement feature 332 to grip the fastener 102 (e.g., during installation or removal from the snap post 112) or engage the first component 104 and / or the second component 110. For example, the engagement feature 332 can be configured to prevent the fastener 102 from passing completely through the opening 106, thereby acting as a stop or spring (e.g., to reduce buzzing, squeaking, and rattling (BSR)).

[0055] Additionally, the fastener 102 may include a plurality of mounting brackets 318 for attachment to the second component 110. In one example, at least one mounting bracket 318 is provided on each side of axis 330. The mounting brackets 318 are supported by a connecting element 316 at a first end 314. Each mounting bracket 318 includes a seat portion 320 that mates with a corresponding seat portion 320 to define an area for receiving and accommodating a portion of the second component 110. The seat portion 320 on either side of the curved section 312 forms a snap-in post cavity 322 (or other recess) configured to receive a portion of the second component 110 to be mounted onto the fastener 102. For example, the second component 110 may have a protrusion extending from the snap-in post 112 that mates with the snap-in post cavity 322 of the mounting bracket 318 to secure the second component 110 to the fastener 102. In one example, the snap-in post 112 includes a bearing portion 116 (shown as a cut or opening). When assembled, the snap-fit ​​post cavity 322 of the fastener 102 engages with the bearing portion 116. For example, the snap-fit ​​post 112 can be snapped into the snap-fit ​​post cavity 322 of the fastener 102 via the seat portion 320.

[0056] Once the fastener 102 is installed on the second component 110 (e.g., via the snap-fit ​​post 112), the assembly can be inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104, thereby connecting the first component 104 and the second component 110. For example, the fastener 102 can be inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104, with the second end 324 entering first, as indicated by arrow 204 in FIG2B. The second end 324 may be tapered and / or chamfered to facilitate insertion. The aforementioned seat portion 320 and bearing portion 116 help prevent the fastener 102 from disengaging from the snap-fit ​​post 112 during subsequent removal of the first component 104 relative to the second component 110. In other words, the fastening system 100 can be disassembled such that the first component 104 and the fastener 102 disengage while the fastener 102 remains attached to the snap-fit ​​post 112 of the second component 110.

[0057] At the second end 324 of the fastener 102, i.e., at the bent section 312, the rib 304 is connected by a bridging portion 326. The bridging portion 326 is configured to connect the rib 304 while maintaining its elasticity during insertion into the opening 106. In some examples, the rib 304 tapers along its length to enhance elasticity without compromising strength, thereby allowing the rib 304 to bend during insertion and return to its original span without failure.

[0058] The gripping element 328 includes a mating surface 334 configured to contact the surface of the snap-fit ​​post 112. This mating surface 334 tapers from a first end 314 toward a second end 324. In other words, the mating surface 334 tapers from the curved section 312 along the body portion 302, aligning with the extension direction of the fastener 102. During assembly, the mating surface 334 of the gripping element 328 engages the end of the snap-fit ​​post 112, thereby facilitating self-centering of the snap-fit ​​post 112 relative to the fastener 102. The previously described seat portion 320 secures the fastener 102 to the snap-fit ​​post 112 via a bearing portion 116.

[0059] The tapered shape of the mating surface 334 complements the tapered shape of the rib 304, thereby guiding the second component 110 (specifically, the snap-fit ​​post 112) toward the center of the curved section 312 during installation to the fastener 102. This design ensures effective attachment of the second component 110 to the fastener 102.

[0060] Fastener 102 is engineered to account for both the insertion force required to insert the fastener into opening 106 and the separation force required to remove the fastener. In one aspect, fastener 102 is configured such that the insertion force does not affect the separation force, and vice versa. For example, fastener 102 may require a nominal insertion force to meet user ergonomics while requiring a significantly higher separation force compared to the insertion force.

[0061] In some respects, the bridging portion 326 is designed to be small, thereby enhancing the resilience of the rib 304 at the bending section 312 and thus reducing the insertion force. Additionally, the size of the bridging portion 326 is chosen to prevent the fastener 102 from failing or breaking during multiple insertion and withdrawal cycles (e.g., five or more cycles). Therefore, the size of the bridging portion 326 is optimized based on a balance between insertion force and structural integrity. The material selection of the fastener 102 also affects the size of the bridging portion 326.

[0062] The design of ribs 304 further affects the insertion force. To enhance their flexibility without compromising strength, ribs 304 can be designed to be tapered along their length. The increased flexibility allows fastener 102 to require only the nominal insertion force, enabling ribs 304 to bend during insertion into opening 106 and subsequently return to their original shape without failure.

[0063] In some respects, the fastener 102 is characterized based on the required separation force, which is the force required to pull the fastener 102 out of the first component 104. For example, the fastener 102 may be configured to withstand a separation force of at least 130 Newtons (N), while the insertion force remains below about 45 N. These values ​​are exemplary and not limiting; depending on the design and application, nominal insertion force and high separation force may exceed the specified range.

[0064] In some aspects, the fastener 102 further includes one or more tapered wear regions 336 configured to adjust for material removal during repeated installation and removal cycles of the fastener 102 (or configured to account for wear caused by movement due to vibration). For example, when the fastener 102 is inserted into or removed from the opening 106 of the component 104, the engagement wear region 336 is positioned on the outer surface of the fastener 102 configured to contact the component 104.

[0065] Although the U-shaped fastener with ribs 304 and arms 308 illustrates the engagement wear region 336, the engagement wear region 336 can be incorporated into any plastic fastener design, including clamps, retainers, barbed fasteners, arrow fasteners, tree-shaped fasteners, and hybrid fasteners. Therefore, the engagement wear region 336 should not be construed as limited to snap-in channel configurations or any particular structural arrangement.

[0066] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the engagement wear region 336 can be located at or near the connection between each arm 308 and its corresponding rib 304, specifically along the outer surface of the arm 308 opposite to the snap-fit ​​channel 114. The engagement wear region 336 can be integrally formed with the fastener body 302, for example, by plastic injection molding or additive manufacturing processes, resulting in a monolithic structure without joints or secondary wear inserts. Positioning the engagement wear region 336 at the "arm-to-rib connection" helps ensure that the wear forces encountered during insertion or removal occur in the tapered region 336, thereby achieving predictable and controlled wear characteristics.

[0067] As shown in Figures 5A to 7C, the joint wear region 336 generally comprises a core surface region 402, a biconical joint surface region 404, and an edge region 406. The core surface region 402 represents the thickest portion of the joint wear region 336, while the biconical joint surface region 404 transitions between the core surface region 402 and the edge region 406. The biconical joint surface 404 is tapered in at least two directions, including a transverse taper (see widths W1, W2, W3) and a longitudinal taper extending along the length of arm 308 (see lengths L1, L2, L3). For example, the biconical joint surface 404 uses a specific profile and slope to create a smooth transition between the core surface region 402 and the edge region 406, wherein the contact area increases as the biconical joint surface 404 wears. These tapered geometries define a multi-angle profile that gradually changes with material wear and is predictable (e.g., changes in a controlled manner).

[0068] Figures 5A, 6A, and 7A illustrate fastener 102 in a new or unworn state, where the core surface region 402 is completely intact at the contact region 408. In this state, the length of the mating surface corresponds to L1, and the width of the mating wear region corresponds to W1, representing the maximum dimension of the mating profile. During initial installation, the mating wear region 336 contacts the component 104 along these original surfaces. During use, fastener 102 wears, particularly at the mating wear region 336.

[0069] Figures 5B, 6B, and 7B illustrate the wear region 336 after minimal use. The core surface region 402 exhibits partial wear at the contact region 408, resulting in a reduced engagement length L2 and a reduced width W2. Material removal exposes more of the biconical engagement surface region 404, increasing the actual surface contact area between the fastener 102 and the component 104. Despite material loss, the increased contact surface area at contact region 408 allows the frictional engagement with the component 104 to be maintained or increased. With continued use, the fastener 102 wears further, particularly at the wear region 336.

[0070] Figures 5C, 6C, and 7C illustrate a fastener 102 undergoing moderate wear at contact area 408 during long-term use. In this case, the core surface area 402 further decreases in size, and the engagement length decreases to L3 while the width narrows to W3. As wear progresses, the core surface area 402 becomes increasingly flush with the double-cone engagement surface area 404. Despite the reduction in total thickness and width, the total frictional interface area increases due to the exposure of the additional conical surface. This effect compensates for material loss and stabilizes the holding force.

[0071] During operation, fastener 102 is inserted into opening 106 such that the engagement wear region 336 engages the component 104, thereby generating friction that causes progressive wear. As material is removed, the geometry of the engagement wear region 336 causes two simultaneous effects: (1) an increase in the friction surface area due to the exposure of a deeper tapered region, and (2) a reduction in the engagement length of arm 308 in the disengagement direction. The combination of these effects provides a self-regulating wear mechanism that maintains the take-off force within the desired performance range over multiple installation cycles.

[0072] The engagement wear region 336 can be applied to any part of the fastener 102 subjected to frictional wear, including ribs 304, arms 308, retaining tabs, resilient fingers, or barbed areas. The angles, lengths, and tapered geometries of the core surface region 402, the double-conical engagement surface region 404, and the edge region 406 can be adjusted based on the expected wear rate, the hardness of the component material, or the desired retention characteristics. As described above, suitable materials for forming the fastener 102 include, in particular, polypropylene, polyamide, acetal, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene, and mixtures or compounds thereof, optionally including reinforcing fibers or lubricating additives to suit durability and frictional behavior.

[0073] As can be understood, the engagement wear region 336 is configured to provide a controlled, predictable wear profile that helps ensure stable fastener performance. That is, as material wears at the engagement point, the engagement wear region 336 increases the contact surface area, thereby compensating for the reduction in pull-out force that would otherwise be caused by material loss. Furthermore, as wear progresses, the engagement wear region 336 (e.g., through the engagement surface region 404) reduces the length of the engagement surface in the disengagement direction, thereby preventing overcompensation and helping to maintain a generally consistent disengagement force throughout repeated installation cycles.

[0074] Although this article illustrates the engagement wear region 336 in conjunction with snap-fit ​​fasteners, the engagement wear region applies to virtually any plastic fastener that experiences wear due to contact with mating parts, including metal parts. Therefore, the engagement wear region 336 should not be construed as limited to the aspect shown, but rather is applicable to a wide variety of fastening systems requiring reliable long-term holding forces.

[0075] Although the method and / or system have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the method and / or system. Therefore, although examples of fasteners have been described using language specific to structural features and / or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of fasteners. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the frames and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the method and / or system are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, the method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the principle of equivalents.

Claims

1. A plastic fastener, comprising: A fastener body having at least one outer surface configured to contact a component during installation or removal; as well as At least one engagement wear region is formed on the outer surface. The engagement wear area is shaped such that during use, material is removed from the engagement wear area, increasing the contact surface area configured to engage with the component.

2. The plastic fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The joint wear area includes a core surface area, a double-cone joint surface area, and an edge area.

3. The plastic fastener as described in claim 2, wherein, The double-conical joint surface region includes: A first tapered shape in the width direction of the fastener body; and The second cone shape in the longitudinal direction of the fastener body.

4. The plastic fastener as described in claim 2, wherein, The double-conical joint surface region is disposed between the core surface region and the edge region.

5. The plastic fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The wear area of ​​the joint extends along the length of the fastener body.

6. The plastic fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Wear in the joint wear area reduces the engagement length of the fastener in the disengagement direction.

7. The plastic fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The joint wear area is integrally formed with the fastener body.

8. The plastic fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fastener is configured to engage sheet metal components.

9. The plastic fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plastics include polypropylene, polyamide, acetal, ABS, polyethylene, or combinations thereof.

10. A fastener, comprising: The body portion has a pair of ribs that extend along the length of the fastener; The head portion has a pair of arms, each arm extending from a corresponding rib; as well as A wear area is formed on the outer surface of at least one of the arms or ribs. The engagement wear area is configured to engage the surface of the component during insertion or removal of the fastener, and During use, the removal of material from the joint wear area increases the contact surface area between the fastener and the component.

11. The fastener as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The joint wear area includes a core surface area, a double-cone joint surface area, and an edge area.

12. The fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The double-conical joint surface region includes: A first tapered shape in the width direction of the fastener; and The second cone shape in the length direction of the fastener.

13. The fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The biconical joint surface region is located between the core surface region and the edge region.

14. The fastener as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The joint wear area extends along at least a portion of the length of the arm.

15. The fastener as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The increase in contact surface area caused by wear allows the separation force required to remove the fastener from the component to be maintained or increased.

16. The fastener as claimed in claim 10, wherein, Wear in the joint wear area reduces the engagement length of the fastener in the disengagement direction.

17. The fastener as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The fastener is made of polymer material.

18. The fastener of claim 10, further comprising: A snap-fit ​​channel, which is configured to receive a snap-fit ​​post of the second component.

19. A fastener for attaching to a component, the fastener comprising: The body portion has a pair of ribs that extend along the length of the fastener. ； The head portion has a pair of arms, each arm extending from a corresponding rib; as well as A joint wear region is disposed on the outer surface of at least one of the arms or ribs, and the joint wear region includes a core surface region, a double-cone joint surface region, and an edge region. The double-conical engagement surface region includes a first cone in the width direction of the fastener and a second cone in the length direction of the fastener. Wherein, the joint wear area extends along at least a portion of the length of the arm or rib, and During insertion or removal, the removal of material from the joint wear area increases the contact surface area between the fastener and the component.

20. The fastener as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The joint wear area includes a core surface area, a double-cone joint surface area, and an edge area.

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