Fastener

Abstract

A fastener for coupling a first component to a second component is disclosed. The fastener includes a body portion, a bridge, and a handle portion. The body portion includes a plurality of ribs arranged to form a U-bend. Each of the plurality of ribs defines a profile designed to at least adjust an insertion force of the fastener. The profile may be curved. A bridge connects the plurality of ribs to each other at the U-bend. The handle portion extends from the body portion and includes a plurality of arms. Each arm extends in a cantilevered manner at a free end of one of the plurality of ribs and extends from the free end in a direction away from the body portion so that a hinged connection can be formed around the arm. The rib profile may be curved between the U-bend and the handle portion.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Automotive components require fastening techniques that are simple to manufacture and assemble. Further, the fastening techniques should first be reliable and efficient. To secure the secondary panel to the primary panel, fasteners such as pin and grommet fasteners may be used.

[0002] Various types of fasteners are used to fasten components. For example, in the case of an instrument panel of a vehicle, a fastener may be used to secure adjacent panels together or to attach one or more objects to a panel. One such type of fastener may be used with holes of different types, sizes, and shapes provided in the components to be fastened together. In other words, for such a fastener to fasten components, at least one of the components is provided with a hole. One of the components is mounted on the fastener, while another component having a hole receives the fastener component assembly.

[0003] Traditionally, metal components and panels are used with metal fasteners because the metal components and panels may damage the plastic fasteners. However, plastic fasteners have advantages, such as in terms of cost and ease of manufacturing. Therefore, despite various advances to date, it is still desirable to provide a plastic fastener that can be used with metal panels. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure is generally directed to a fastening system for forming blind connections between panels, such as automotive panels, substantially as shown and described with respect to at least one of the accompanying drawings and as more fully set forth in the claims. In some examples, the fastening system uses plastic fasteners that can be used with metal panels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] 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 illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein.

[0006] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An assembled isometric view and an assembled isometric view, respectively, of a fastening system according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0007] Figure 1c and Figure 1d A side view and a cross-sectional view of the assembled fastening system are shown, respectively.

[0008] Figure 2a to Figure 2c Side views showing the fastening system at different stages of assembly.

[0009] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Top and underside isometric views of the fastener are shown, respectively.

[0010] Figure 3c and Figure 3d The front and rear views of the fastener are shown.

[0011] Figure 3e and Figure 3f A first side view and a second side view of a fastener are shown.

[0012] Figure 3g and Figure 3e The top and bottom plan views of the fastener are shown respectively.

[0013] Figure 4 A side view of a fastener having a rib profile designed with an inward curvature according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Top and underside isometric views, respectively, of a fastener according to another aspect of the present disclosure are shown.

[0015] Figure 5c and Figure 5d The front and rear views of the fastener are shown.

[0016] Figure 5e and Figure 5f A first side view and a second side view of a fastener are shown.

[0017] Figure 5g and Figure 5e The top and bottom plan views of the fastener are shown respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Reference 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 intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless otherwise specified or clear from the context. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the description of the range of values ​​herein is not intended to be limited, but refers to any and all values ​​falling within and / or including the range individually, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the specification, just as it is separately narrated herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", "side", "front", "back" are words of convenience and should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples, the position of the first side is adjacent to or close to the second side, the terms "first side" and "second side" do not mean any particular order in which these sides are sorted.

[0019] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms "about", "approximately", "substantially", etc. should be understood to indicate the deviation allowed for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Values ​​and / or ranges of values ​​are provided herein only as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language ("for example", "such as", etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The terms "such as" and "for example" lead to a list with one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Any language in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating that any element not recorded in the claims is essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0020] The term "and / or" refers to any one or more of the multiple items in the list connected 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] Figure 1a to Figure 1d A view of an example fastening system 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 1a and Figure 1b An assembled isometric view and an assembled isometric view of the fastening system 100 are shown, respectively, and Figure 1c and Figure 1dA side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the assembled fastening system 100 are shown. Figure 1d The cross-sectional view is along Figure 1c As illustrated, the fastening system 100 generally includes a fastener 102 configured to join a first component 104 and a second component 110 via a clamp tower 112 associated with the second component 110. The first component 104 and the second component 110 may be, for example, automotive panels.

[0022] Depending on the application, the first component 104, the second component 110 and / or the clamp tower 112 can be made of, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer (e.g., plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or combinations thereof. In the automotive industry, example panels include, but are not limited to, door trim panels, moldings, trims, hoods, doors, pillars (e.g., A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, etc.), dashboard components (e.g., crossbars, brackets, frames, etc.), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, sheet metal frames, and / or other substrates (whether used as interior or exterior surfaces).

[0023] The first component 104 includes one or more openings 106, while the second component 110 includes one or more clamp towers 112. Each of the one or more openings 106 is configured to receive or otherwise engage a fastener 102 (and associated clamp towers 112), while the one or more clamp towers 112 are configured to engage one or more fasteners 102. In some examples, the first component 104 defines an A surface 104a and a B surface 104b (shown as a lower surface). Similarly, the second component 110 also defines an A surface 110a and a B surface 110b (shown as a lower surface). The A surface 104a of the first component 104 is generally referred to as an outward-facing surface, while the B surface 104b of the first component 104 is generally referred to as an inward-facing surface. When assembled, the A surface 104a of the first component 104 generally faces the B surface 110b of the second component 110.

[0024] The A surface 110a (also referred to as a Class A surface) is typically a surface that is visible after assembly and is therefore more aesthetically pleasing (e.g., textured, coated, or otherwise decorated) and is typically free of attachment devices and / or related features. In contrast, the B surface 110b (also referred to as a Class B surface) is typically a surface that is not visible after assembly and typically includes various attachment devices and / or related features. In an example, the first component 104 and the second component 110 may be part of an instrument panel of a vehicle. For example, the second component 110 may be an instrument panel, and the first component 104 may be an instrument cluster to be mounted on the instrument panel (or vice versa).

[0025] The second component 110 may include, define, or otherwise be associated with attachment means and / or related features, such as one or more clamp towers 112. For example, the second component 110 may include one or more clamp towers 112 protruding from the B surface 110b. As shown, each of the one or more clamp towers 112 is substantially perpendicular to the second component 110. In some examples, the clamp tower 112 may have a seating portion 112a formed, for example, as a slot. The clamp tower 112 may be integral with the second component 110 (e.g., co-molded) or separately attached (e.g., using an adhesive or other means).

[0026] The fastener 102 may be slid over and secured to the fixture tower 112 of the second component 110 to define a part assembly (PIA) component 108. The PIA component 108 may then be subsequently attached to the first component 104 by an end user (e.g., a customer). Thus, in some examples, the PIA component 108 may be pre-assembled at a factory and shipped to the end user for final assembly with the first component 104.

[0027] The fastener 102 can be made of, for example, a synthetic polymer or a semi-synthetic polymer. In some examples, the fastener 102 can be a printed thermoplastic material part that can be printed with high accuracy and with many details, which is particularly advantageous when forming parts that require complex and / or precise features. In addition, additive manufacturing technology avoids the need for mold processing that is usually associated with injection molding, thereby reducing initial manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous in small batch production. In some examples, the fastener 102 can be made with the first part 102 using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing process).

[0028] Figure 2a to Figure 2c 1 shows side views of an example fastening system 100 at various stages of assembly. Specifically, Figure 2a The second component 110 is shown with the fastener 102 slid onto the clamp tower 112 of the second component 110 as indicated by arrow 202 to define the PIA component 108, and Figure 2b The assembled PIA component 108 is shown with the fastener 102 and the clamp tower 112 at least partially inserted into the opening 106 of the first component 104 as indicated by arrow 204 . Figure 2c The PIA component 108 is shown fully assembled with the first component 104 .

[0029] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A simplified isometric view of the top side of the fastener 102 is shown, and Figure 3c and Figure 3d A front view and a rear view of the fastener 102 are shown. Figure 3e and Figure 3f A first side view and a second side view of the fastener 102 are shown, and Figure 3g and Figure 3e The top plan view and the bottom plan view of the fastener 102 are shown respectively. Figures 3a to 3e Describe them in conjunction with each other.

[0030] As combined Figure 1a to Figure 1d and Figure 2a to Figure 2c As shown, fastener 102 can be used to form a connection between a first component 104 and a second component 110 (such as an automotive panel). Fastener 102 can be made of a generally rigid material (such as a plastic material). For example, the plastic material can include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyoxymethylene (POM), or a combination thereof. As will become apparent, fastener 102 of the present invention can be made of a plastic material while still being suitable for use with metal components. Therefore, in one example, fastener 102 is made of a plastic material, while first component 104 and / or second component 110 is metal.

[0031] In some examples, the fastener 102 is designed so that the fastener 102 is ergonomic with respect to insertion into the opening 106 in the first component 104, and the fastener 102 may require considerable force when separating or withdrawing the fastener 102 from the opening 106 compared to the force when inserted. In other words, the fastener 102 is designed to have a low insertion force, but a relatively high separation force. At the same time, the insertion force and the separation force designed for the fastener 102 may be independent of each other.

[0032] The fastener 102 may include a body portion 302 formed by a plurality of ribs 304 extending parallel to each other to form a U-shape. The fastener 102 may further include a handle portion 306 extending from the body portion 302. The handle portion 306 may have a plurality of arms 308, wherein each arm 308 is coupled to a free end of the rib 304 and extends from the free end in a direction away from the body portion 302. Each arm 308 may extend in a cantilevered manner at the free end of the rib 304, to which the arm 308 is attached. Thus, the arm 308 may be hingedly connected around a connection point 310 with the rib 304. In other words, the arm 308 may be hingedly connected around a joint between the arm 308 and the rib 304.

[0033] The free ends of the plurality of arms 308 may form a first end 314 of the fastener 102, and the end of the fastener 102 at the U-shaped bend 312 of the plurality of ribs 304 may form a second end 324 of the fastener 102, which is opposite the first end 314. The second end 324 of the fastener 102 may be tapered for inserting the fastener 102 into the opening 106 in the first component 104 into which the fastener 102 is to be assembled.

[0034] At the first end 314 of the fastener 102, the ends of the plurality of arms 308 on one side of the U-shaped bend 312 may be connected to each other, and the ends of the plurality of arms 308 on the other side of the U-shaped bend 312 may be connected to each other. In other words, on either side of the U-shaped bend 312, the ends of the arms may be connected to each other by the connecting element 316. Therefore, the fastener 102 may include two connecting elements 316 at the first end 314 of the fastener, on both sides of the U-shaped bend 312. The connecting elements 316 on both sides may extend in a direction on each side of the plane 330 to form a stopper feature that prevents the first component 104 from disengaging from the fastener 102.

[0035] In addition, the fastener 102 may have a plurality of mounting brackets 318 to mount the fastener 102 to the second component 110. In an example, at least one mounting bracket 318 may be provided on either side of the axis 330. As shown, the mounting bracket 318 is supported at the connecting element 316 at the first end 314. In the example, in order to accommodate a portion of the second component 110, each mounting bracket 318 may have a seat 320. Further, the seats 320 of the two mounting brackets 318 on both sides of the U-shaped bend 312 may form a barrel-shaped cavity 322 (or other recessed portion) for receiving the portion of the second component 110 to be mounted on the fastener 102. For example, the second component 110 may include a clamp tower 112 formed as a protrusion, which may cooperate with the barrel-shaped cavity 322 of the mounting bracket 318 to mount the second component 110 at the fastener 102. In an example, the clamp tower 112 may have a seating portion 112a. The seating portion 112a is illustrated as a slot (eg, a cutout or other opening) in the clamp tower 112. When assembled, the barrel-shaped cavity 322 of the fastener 102 engages the seating portion 112a.

[0036] The second component 110, to which the fastener 102 is mounted (e.g., via the clamp tower 112), can then be inserted into the opening 106 in the first component 104, thereby securing the first component 104 and the second component 110 together. For example, the fastener 102 can be inserted in the direction in which the second end 324 is first inserted (e.g., Figure 2bThe seat 320 and the seating portion 112a described above serve to mitigate the risk of the fastener 102 becoming disengaged from the clamp tower 112 during subsequent disassembly 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 become disengaged while the fastener 102 remains attached to the clamp tower 112 of the second component 110.

[0037] At the second end 324 of the fastener 102, i.e., at the U-bend 312, the plurality of ribs 304 may be joined by a bridge 326. According to one aspect, the bridge 326 may be designed such that it imparts flexure capability to the ribs 304 for insertion into the opening 106, since the opening 106 may be sized to be larger than the span of the ribs 304 on either side of the U-bend 312.

[0038] According to another aspect, the rib 304 can be designed to have a tapered shape along its length to further enhance its flexing ability without compromising its strength. In other words, the rib 304 can have sufficient retractability or flexibility to bend and enter the opening 106, but can nearly recover its original span after entering without failing during the entry process. As will be explained in detail later, depending on the design of the bridge 326, the flexing ability of the rib 304 determines the force to be applied to insert the fastener 102 into the opening 106.

[0039] In addition, to retain the fastener 102 in the opening 106, as previously mentioned, the arm 308 can form a hinge connection about a connection point 310 with the corresponding rib 304 to which the arm is connected. Similar to the bridge 326, the connection point 310 between the rib 304 and the arm 308 for connecting each set of ribs 304 and arms 308 to each other can be designed to provide the arm 308 with the ability to flex relative to the rib 304 and provide retention of the fastener 102 in the opening 106. In an example, when the fastener 102 is inserted into the opening 106, the fastener 102 can be positioned so that the arm 308 abuts the opening 106. Accordingly, the arm 308 is designed to exert a significant biasing force on the edge of the opening 106 so as to firmly retain the fastener 102 in the opening 106. In addition, the connection point 310 can have a profile 328 that, together with the arm 308, securely holds the fastener 102 and prevents the fastener 102 from being withdrawn from the opening 106 unless a substantial force is applied to remove it. In an example, the profile 328 is generally linear and extends in a laterally outward direction relative to a plane 330 through the fastener 102 that cuts through the U-shaped bend 312 across the rib 304. Thus, the profile 328 can form a locking area at which the fastener 102 is locked when positioned in the opening 106 and prevents the fastener from disengaging, thereby preventing the first component 104 from shifting relative to the second component 110.

[0040] Additionally, the fastener 102 may include at least one gripping element 340 on either side of the U-bend 312 that is coupled to the bridge 326 and extends from the bridge toward the first end 314 of the fastener 102. In other words, the gripping elements 340 may extend along the body portion 302 (i.e., in the direction in which the body portion 302 of the fastener 102 extends). The gripping elements 340 grip or otherwise engage the clamp tower 112 mounted to the fastener 102.

[0041] According to one aspect, the gripping element 340 can have a mating surface 342 that can be in direct contact with a surface of the clamp tower 112. The mating surface 342 can be shaped to be tapered in a direction from the first end 314 to the second end 324. In other words, the mating surface 342 can be shaped to be tapered in a direction from the U-bend 312 along the body portion 302 (i.e., in a direction along which the body portion 302 of the fastener 102 extends). Thus, during assembly, the mating surface 342 of the gripping element 340 engages the end of the clamp tower 112 and allows the clamp tower 112 to center itself relative to the fastener 102, while the seat 320 locks the fastener 102 to the clamp tower 112 via the seating portion 112a.

[0042] The taper on the mating surface 342 can also complement the tapered shape of the rib 304 so as to align the second component 110 (e.g., the clamp tower 112 of the second component 110) toward the center of the U-shaped bend 312 when the second component 110 is installed to the fastener 102. This ensures that the second component 110 is effectively installed to the fastener 102.

[0043] The design of the fastener 102 may be based on an insertion force to be applied for inserting the fastener 102 into the opening 106 and a separation force to be applied for removing the fastener 102 from the opening 106. According to one aspect, the fastener 102 may be designed such that the insertion force of the fastener is independent of the separation force of the fastener 102, and vice versa. For example, the fastener 102 may require a nominal insertion force to make it ergonomic for use by a user, and at the same time, the design may also be such that the fastener 102 requires a separation force that is much higher than the insertion force.

[0044] In some examples, the size of the bridge portion 326 can be selected to be smaller so that the flexibility of the rib 304 at the U-bend 312 can be higher, thereby requiring a lower insertion force to insert the fastener 102 into the second component 110. In addition, the size of the bridge portion 326 can be further determined in consideration of the following factors: the fastener 102 will not fail or break when the fastener 102 is inserted into and withdrawn from the second component 110 (for example, when the insertion and withdrawal are performed for 5 cycles or more). Therefore, the size of the bridge portion 326 of the fastener 102 can be determined based on the trade-off between the insertion force and the failure of the fastener 102. Accordingly, with due consideration of the factors discussed above, the material of the fastener 102 can be an additional factor in determining the size of the bridge portion 326.

[0045] Insertion force may further be a consideration in designing the rib 304. For example, to enhance the flexing ability of the rib 304 without compromising its strength, the rib 304 may be designed to have a tapered shape along its length. The high flexing ability of the rib 304 further aids in designing the fastener 102 to have a nominal insertion force, such that the rib 304 may have sufficient retractability or flexibility to ergonomically bend and enter the opening 106, and may nearly recover its original shape after entry without failing during the entry process.

[0046] As in Figure 3c and Figure 3dAs best shown in the example, the rib profile 344 of the rib 304 is designed to have a curvature starting from the U-shaped bend 312 and ending at the connection point 310 with the arm 308. The curvature of the rib profile 344 increases the flexing ability of the rib 304 during insertion without reducing the required separation force. In the example shown, the rib profile 344 on each side of the U-shaped bend 312 is curved inwardly (i.e., toward the plane 330).

[0047] When the fastener 102 is a plastic material and the first component 104 is metal, the increased flexing ability provided by the curvature of the rib profile 344 reduces the risk of damage to the fastener 102. For example, during insertion of the fastener 102 into the opening 106, the inner wall of the opening 106 typically contacts the rib 304 and causes the rib 304 to flex inwardly. Bending the rib 304 inwardly reduces the contact force and stress applied by the opening 106 on the rib 304 during assembly. Further, when the fastener 102 (and the associated clamp tower 112) is removed from the opening 106 of the first component 102, the rib 304 is not only bent or flexed inwardly (toward the plane 330) at the U-bend 312, but also bends or flexes inwardly at or near the center point 344a of the rib profile 344. Bending or flexing the ribs 304 inward at or near the center point 344a causes the profile 328 of the connection point 310 to become generally parallel to the plane 330 (rather than in the laterally outward direction as illustrated), thereby reducing the risk of damage to the connection point 310. As a result, the plastic fastener 102 can be used more reliably with the metal first component 104 while reducing damage to the plastic fastener 102, thereby allowing for repeated use of the plastic fastener 102 with the metal first component 104. Figure 3c As best shown in FIG. 3 , each arm 308 includes a first linear portion 308a and a second linear portion 308b arranged at an angle α relative to each other. In this example, the first linear portion 308a is parallel to the plane 330, and the angle α may be, for example, between about 160 and 175 degrees, or about 167 degrees.

[0048] In some examples, the fastener 102 may also have features that can be designed based on the breakaway force of the fastener 102 (i.e., the force to be applied to the fastener 102 to withdraw the fastener 102 from the first component 104). In an example, the breakaway force of the fastener 102 may be at least 130 Newtons (N), while the insertion force may be less than about 45 N. As will be appreciated, the above values ​​of the insertion force and breakaway force are provided as examples and should not be construed as being limiting. For example, depending on the design and application, the values ​​of the nominal insertion force and the high breakaway force may fall outside the above ranges.

[0049] Figure 4A side view of a fastener 102 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, the fastener having a rib profile 344 for the rib 304, the rib profile being designed to have an inward curvature. The curvature of the rib profile 344 can be described as a portion 408 of an arc (A). The curvature and arc length of the rib profile 344 vary according to the radius of curvature (R) 404 (i.e., between the center (C) 402 and the portion of the arc (A) 408) and the degree (D) 406. In some examples, the radius of curvature (R) 404 of the rib profile 344 is between 15 mm and 30 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the subject disclosure that the portion 408 of the arc (A) can be adjusted to accommodate openings 106 of different sizes and shapes. For example, where the opening 106 is wider, the degree (D) 406 may be increased to correspondingly increase the length of the portion 408 of the arc (A), which in turn results in the fastener 102 having an increased width (W) 410. Conversely, where a narrower opening 106 is used, the degree (D) 406 may be decreased to produce a smaller width (W) 410.

[0050] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Top and underside isometric views, respectively, of a fastener 502 according to another aspect of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 5c and Figure 5d A front view and a rear view of fastener 502 are shown. Figure 5e and Figure 5f A first side view and a second side view of a fastener 502 are shown. Figure 5g and Figure 5e The top and bottom plan views of the fastener 502 are shown respectively. In terms of overall design and application, Figure 5a to Figure 5e The fastener 502 and Figures 3a to 3e The fastener 102 is substantially the same as shown, except that certain dimensions and shapes have been adjusted as shown. Figure 5c As best shown in FIG. 1 , each arm 308 includes a first linear portion 308a and a second linear portion 308b disposed at an angle β relative to each other. The first linear portion 308a is parallel to the plane 330, and the angle β may be, for example, between about 145 and 160 degrees, or about 153 degrees. In addition, a shoulder 504 is located at the connection point 310 to engage the opening 106 in the first component 104 after assembly. Finally, the fastener 502 includes mounting brackets 318, which are more Figures 3a to 3e The mounting bracket of the fastener 102 is shorter.

[0051] Fastener 102 provides certain advantages. For example, the curvature of shoulder 504 and rib 304 (e.g., a portion 408 of arc (A)) allows fastener 102 to be better retained in the first component 104 configured as a punched / painted panel state. However, some designs are intended to make the B surface 104b (removal side) of the first component 104 sharp-cut, thus requiring a steeper angle to allow it to be released during removal. However, the described fastener 102 may be used with a stamped / painted panel that may not have such a sharp-cut edge to retain the fastener 102. Therefore, the fastener 102 can be compensated with a necessary or useful performance level, for example, via the curvature of rib 304 (e.g., a portion 408 of arc (A)) and shoulder 504 when a sharp-cut edge is not available.

[0052] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. Therefore, although examples of fasteners have been described with structural features and / or method-specific language, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. On the contrary, the specific features are disclosed as examples of fasteners. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, the frames and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Alternatively, the present method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, whether literally or according to the principle of equivalents.

Claims

1. A fastener (102), comprising: a body portion (302) comprising a plurality of ribs (304) arranged to form a U-shaped bend (312), wherein each of the plurality of ribs (304) defines a rib profile (344) designed to adjust at least one of an insertion force or a separation force of the fastener; a bridge portion (326) connecting the plurality of ribs (304) to each other at the U-shaped bend portion (312); and a handle portion (306) extending from the body portion (302), the handle portion (306) comprising a plurality of arms (308), Each of the plurality of arms (308) extends in a cantilevered manner from a free end of a rib (304) among the plurality of ribs (304) and extends from the free end in a direction away from the main body portion (302) so as to be able to form a hinge connection around the arm (308).

2. The fastener (102) of claim 1, wherein: The rib profile (344) is bent between the U-shaped bend (312) and the handle portion (306).

3. The fastener (102) of claim 1, wherein: The radius of curvature of the rib profile (344) is between 15 mm and 30 mm.

4. The fastener (102) of claim 1, wherein: The handle portion (306) further includes a connecting element (316) that connects the free ends of the plurality of arms on either side of the U-shaped bend (312) to each other.

5. The fastener (102) of claim 4, comprising a plurality of mounting brackets (318) for mounting a clamp tower (112) to the fastener (102), at least one mounting bracket (318) being disposed on either side of the U-shaped bend (312), the at least one mounting bracket being supported at the connecting element (316).

6. The fastener (102) of claim 1, comprising at least one gripping element (340), the at least one gripping element being located on either side of the U-shaped bend (312) for gripping a component (102) mounted on the fastener (100), the at least one gripping element (340) being connected to the bridging portion (326) and extending from the bridging portion (326) along the main body (302) of the fastener (102).

7. The fastener (102) of claim 6, wherein: The at least one gripping element (340) includes a mating surface (342) that is tapered in a direction from the U-bend (312) along the body portion (302) to align the clamp tower (112) toward the center of the U-bend (312) when the clamp tower (112) is installed to the fastener (102).

8. The fastener (102) of claim 1, wherein: The fastener (102) is designed to have a separation force of at least 130 Newtons and an insertion force of less than 45 Newtons.

9. The fastener (102) of claim 1, wherein: The fastener (102) is made of synthetic polymer or semi-synthetic polymer.

10. The fastener (102) of claim 9, wherein: The fastener (102) is manufactured using additive manufacturing technology.

11. The fastener (102) of claim 1, wherein: The fastener (102) is configured to join a first component (104) and the second component (110) via a clamp tower (112) associated with the second component (110).

12. The fastener (102) of claim 11, wherein: The body portion (302) is configured to receive the clamp tower (112) between a plurality of ribs (304) of the U-shaped bend (312).

13. The fastener (102) of claim 11, wherein: The first component (104) is a metal panel.

14. A fastener (102) for connecting a first component (104) and a second component (110), the fastener (102) comprising: a body portion (302) comprising a plurality of ribs (304) arranged to form a U-shaped bend (312); a bridge portion (326) connecting the plurality of ribs (304) to each other at the U-shaped bend (312); a handle portion (306) extending from the body portion (302), the handle portion (306) comprising a plurality of arms (308), wherein each of the plurality of ribs (304) defines a rib profile (344) that bends between the U-shaped bend (312) and the handle portion (306) to adjust at least one of an insertion force or a separation force of the fastener, wherein each of the plurality of arms (308) is cantilevered from a free end of a rib (304) among the plurality of ribs (304) and extends from the free end in a direction away from the body portion (302) so as to be able to form a hinge connection around the arm (308); and A plurality of mounting brackets (318) are provided to mount the clamp tower (112) of the second component (110) to the fastener (102).

15. The fastener (102) of claim 14, wherein: The radius of curvature of the rib profile (344) is between 15 mm and 30 mm.

16. The fastener (102) of claim 14, wherein: The handle portion (306) further includes a connecting element (316) that connects the free ends of the plurality of arms on either side of the U-shaped bend (312) to each other.

17. The fastener (102) of claim 16, wherein: At least one mounting bracket (318) is provided on each side of the U-shaped bend (312), the at least one mounting bracket being supported at the connection element (316).

18. The fastener (102) of claim 14, comprising at least one gripping element (340), the at least one gripping element being located on either side of the U-shaped bend (312) for gripping a component (102) mounted on the fastener (100), the at least one gripping element (340) being connected to the bridge portion (326) and extending from the bridge portion (326) along the main body portion (302) of the fastener (102).

19. The fastener (102) of claim 18, wherein: The at least one gripping element (340) includes a mating surface (342) that is tapered in a direction from the U-bend (312) along the body portion (302) to align the clamp tower (112) toward the center of the U-bend (312) when the clamp tower (112) is installed to the fastener (102).

20. A fastening system (100), comprising: a first component (104) having an opening (106); a second component (110) having a fixture tower (112); as well as A fastener (102) configured to be inserted into the opening (106), wherein the fastener (102) includes a body portion (302), a bridge portion (326), and a shank portion (306) extending from the body portion (302), wherein the body portion (302) includes a plurality of ribs (304) arranged to form a U-shaped bend (312) to receive the clamp tower (112), each of the plurality of ribs (304) defining a rib profile (344) designed to adjust at least one of an insertion force or a separation force of the fastener, wherein the bridge portion (326) is configured to connect the plurality of ribs (304) to each other at the U-shaped bend (312), wherein the handle portion (306) includes a plurality of arms (308), and Each of the plurality of arms (308) extends in a cantilevered manner from a free end of a rib (304) among the plurality of ribs (304) and extends from the free end in a direction away from the main body portion (302) so as to be able to form a hinge connection around the arm (308).

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