Route verification component

Abstract

A fastener assembly for coupling a tube to an opening formed in a component via a strap. The fastener assembly includes a lock pin having a handle having a head and a base structure having a grommet portion. The handle includes a locking protrusion. The head includes a fixed flat portion coupled to the handle and at least one wing portion coupled to the fixed flat portion. The head includes a mounting indicator positioned on at least a portion of the stationary flat portion and the at least one wing portion. The grommet portion defines a grommet opening and a pair of legs resiliently coupled to the grommet portion and configured to couple with the opening. The grommet opening is configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the handle. A first leg of the pair of legs includes a flexible leg feature formed therein and resiliently coupled thereto, the flexible leg feature defining a positioning edge. The locking protrusion engages the positioning edge to secure the lock pin in a part assembly (PIA) position relative to the base structure.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 532,434, filed on August 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Auto parts require simple fastening techniques for manufacture and assembly. Further, fastening techniques should first be reliable and efficient. In some cases, objects need to be fixed to the vehicle to alleviate movement and / or displacement during operation, which may cause the object to be damaged or kinked. For example, pipes, hoses, wires and other objects are usually fixed to vehicle parts via fasteners. When the fastener is not installed correctly so that the fastener is not fully inserted into the opening, the fastener may separate and / or the object being fastened may be damaged or loose. Similarly, when an object is incorrectly attached to a fastener, the object may separate from the fastener or may be damaged or loose.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an installation indicator to facilitate proper installation of an object relative to a fastener and / or a fastener relative to a component during assembly. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to a fastening system for forming connections between a plurality of components, such as a tube and a component, and more particularly to a fastener having an installation indicator for facilitating proper installation of an object relative to the fastener and / or the fastener relative to a component during assembly, substantially as illustrated by and described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as more fully set forth in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0007] Figure 1a and Figure 1b

[0013] Fastening systems according to aspects of the present disclosure are presented that are configured to secure one or more tubes relative to a component via a fastener assembly.

[0008] Figure 1c and Figure 1d The assembled stereogram and assembled stereogram of the fastener assembly are shown respectively.

[0009] Figure 1e and Figure 1f A first side elevation view and a second side elevation view, respectively, are shown of the fastener assembly during assembly with a component.

[0010] Figure 1g and Figure 1h A first side elevation view and a second side elevation view, respectively, are shown of the fastener assembly assembled with components.

[0011] Figure 1i A top plan view of a fastener assembly is shown.

[0012] Figure 1j The fastening system is shown along the section line AA ( Figure 1f ) is a side elevation view taken from the top.

[0013] Figure 1k The fastening system is shown along the section line BB ( Figure 1h ) is a side elevation view taken from the top.

[0014] Figure 2a to Figure 2c A first side elevation view, a top plan view, and a second side elevation view, respectively, are shown of the fastening system in a first position.

[0015] Figure 2d The fastening system is shown in a first position along the section line CC ( Figure 2c ) taken from a three-dimensional cross-sectional view.

[0016] Figure 3a to Figure 3c A first side elevation view, a top plan view, and a second side elevation view are respectively shown of the fastening system in a second position.

[0017] Figure 3d The fastening system in the second position is shown along the section line DD ( Figure 2c ) taken from a three-dimensional cross-sectional view.

[0018] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Assembled isometric and assembled isometric views of the fastener assembly with components and verification system are shown, respectively.

[0019] Figure 5a to Figure 5e A perspective view, a top plan view, a bottom plan view, a first side elevation view, and a second side elevation view, respectively, of a locking pin according to another aspect of the present disclosure are shown.

[0020] Figures 6a to 6e A perspective view, a top plan view, a bottom plan view, a first side elevation view, and a second side elevation view of a locking pin according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure are shown, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] 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 for convenience and should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples, the first side is positioned 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.

[0022] 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" provide 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.

[0023] The term "processor" refers to a processing device, apparatus, program, circuit, component, system and subsystem, whether implemented in hardware, software in tangible form or both, and whether or not it is programmable. As used herein, the term "processor" includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, hard-wired circuits, signal modification devices and systems, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field programmable gate arrays, application-specific integrated circuits, systems on chip, systems including discrete components and / or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities, and any combination of the above components. The processor may be, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor may be coupled to or integrated with a memory device. The memory device can be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage medium, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), computer-readable media, etc.

[0024] 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".

[0025] A fastener assembly is disclosed that can be used to connect an object to a component, such as connecting a tube to an automotive component. The present disclosure introduces several novel features that enhance its operation, functionality, and usability. Notably, the disclosed fastener assembly provides assembly verification, thereby ensuring that each component is correctly assembled through a scannable and verifiable vision system. The disclosed fastener assembly introduces an all-plastic solution, thereby eliminating the need for traditional metal bolts and heavy tools, thereby allowing a tool-free assembly process. This is particularly advantageous in an assembly line setting, where previous fastener assemblies required bolts and heavy tools, resulting in increased weight and complexity. By addressing these deficiencies, the disclosed fastener assembly provides significant advantages, including weight reduction and the ability to easily verify proper installation using a vision system. The lightweight, tool-free assembly process simplifies operation and improves efficiency, making it a superior alternative to conventional methods.

[0026] In one example, a fastener assembly for coupling a tube to an opening formed in a component via a band includes: a locking pin having a shank having a head, wherein the shank includes a locking protrusion, and wherein the head includes a fixed flat portion coupled to the shank and at least one wing portion coupled to the fixed flat portion via a hinge, and wherein the head includes an installation indicator positioned on at least a portion of each of the fixed flat portion and the at least one wing portion; and a base structure having a grommet portion defining a grommet opening and a pair of legs elastically coupled to the grommet portion and configured to couple with the opening, wherein the grommet opening is configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the shank, wherein a first leg of the pair of legs includes a flexible leg feature formed therein and elastically coupled thereto, the flexible leg feature defining a locating edge, and wherein the locking protrusion is configured to engage with the locating edge to secure the locking pin in a parts assembled (PIA) position relative to the base structure.

[0027] In another example, a fastener assembly for coupling a tube to an opening formed in a component via a band includes: a locking pin having a shank having a head, wherein the shank includes a locking protrusion; and a base structure having a grommet portion defining a grommet opening and a pair of legs elastically coupled to the grommet portion and configured to couple with the opening, wherein the grommet opening is configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the shank, wherein a first leg of the pair of legs includes a flexible leg feature formed therein and elastically coupled thereto, the flexible leg feature defining a locating edge, and wherein the locking protrusion is configured to engage with the locating edge to secure the locking pin in a parts assembly (PIA) position relative to the base structure.

[0028] In yet another example, a fastening system includes: a fastener assembly having a locking pin and a base structure, wherein the locking pin includes a shank having a head at an end and a locking protrusion along its length, wherein the base structure includes a pair of legs resiliently coupled to a grommet portion, wherein a first leg of the pair of legs includes a flexible leg feature formed therein and resiliently coupled thereto, the flexible leg feature defining a locating edge, and wherein the locking protrusion is configured to engage the locating edge to secure the locking pin in a parts-in-assembly (PIA) position relative to the base structure; an installation indicator positioned in or on the fastener assembly; and a reader separate from the fastener assembly and operatively coupled to a computer, the reader configured to track the installation indicator via a processor during installation of the locking pin relative to the base structure.

[0029] In some examples, the head includes a mounting indicator.

[0030] In some examples, the mounting indicator is a fiducial mark.

[0031] In some examples, the head includes a fixed planar portion coupled to the handle and at least one wing portion coupled to the fixed planar portion via a hinge.

[0032] In some examples, the wing portion is configured to pivot, flex, or move relative to the fixed planar portion.

[0033] In some examples, the wing portion is movable between a first position transverse to the fixed planar portion and a second position coplanar with the fixed planar portion.

[0034] In some examples, the first position corresponds to a pre-installed position and the second position corresponds to an installed position.

[0035] In some examples, the installation indicator is a quick response (QR) code.

[0036] In some examples, the strap is a cable tie or a twist tie.

[0037] In some examples, the head includes a fixed flat portion coupled to the handle, and two wing portions, wherein each of the two wing portions is coupled to the fixed flat portion via a hinge.

[0038] In some examples, the fixed flat portion and the two wing portions define an elliptical perimeter.

[0039] In some examples, the flex leg feature is configured to move from the PIA position to an intermediate position when installed into a component, thereby allowing the locking protrusion to clear the flex leg feature and allowing the locking pin to be pushed to assume the final assembly position.

[0040] In some examples, the base structure includes a payload portion defining one or more strap openings configured to receive a strap.

[0041] In some examples, the locking projection is positioned on a first surface of the handle, and the handle includes a second locking projection positioned on a second surface of the handle opposite the first surface.

[0042] In some examples, the second locking protrusion is configured to engage a second locating edge of the second flexible leg feature of a second leg of the pair of legs.

[0043] In some examples, each leg of the pair of legs includes an inner protrusion oriented toward the central longitudinal axis and an outer protrusion oriented away from the central longitudinal axis.

[0044] In some examples, the locking pin is configured to engage the inner protrusion to offset the pair of legs away from the central longitudinal axis to engage the component via the outer protrusion.

[0045] In some examples, the head includes one or more ridge features configured to protect the at least one wing portion.

[0046] In some examples, the handle includes protruding features configured to mitigate undesired movement.

[0047] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A fastening system 100 configured to secure one or more tubes 110 relative to a component 104 via a fastener assembly 102 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 1c and Figure 1d An assembled perspective view and an assembled perspective view of the fastener assembly 102 are shown, respectively. Figure 1e and Figure 1f A first side elevation view and a second side elevation view are respectively shown of the fastener assembly 102 during assembly with the component 104 . Figure 1g and Figure 1h A first side elevation view and a second side elevation view, respectively, of the fastener assembly 102 assembled with the component 104 are shown. Figure 1i A top plan view of fastener assembly 102 is shown. Figure 1j The fastening system 100 is shown along the section line AA ( Figure 1f ) is a side elevation view taken from the top. Figure 1k The fastening system 100 is shown along the section line BB ( Figure 1h ) is a side elevation view taken from the top.

[0048] The illustrated fastening system 100 generally includes a fastener assembly 102 for installation in a component 104. Figure 1c As best shown in FIG. 1 , component 104 defines an opening 106 configured to receive and secure fastener assembly 102 relative to component 104 (or other structure). Component 104 defines an A-side surface 104a (e.g., a first surface, such as an exterior surface) and a B-side surface 104b (e.g., a second surface, such as an interior surface). One or more tubes 110 are shown secured to A-side surface 104a. Component 104 may be, for example, an automotive panel or structural component of a vehicle, such as a door, a pillar (e.g., an A-pillar, a B-pillar, a C-pillar, etc.), an instrument panel component (e.g., a cross member, a bracket, a frame, etc.), a seat frame, a center console, a fender, a sheet metal frame, etc.

[0049] Depending on the application, the component 104 can be manufactured from metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or combinations thereof. The component 104 can include, define, or otherwise provide an opening 106 (e.g., a hole) that is formed during the manufacture of the component 104. In this example, the opening 106 is generally rectangular, but other shapes are contemplated (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, and other quadrilateral shapes).

[0050] The fastener assembly 102 includes two or more components, illustrated as a locking pin 108 and a base structure 116, which can be assembled together to assume a shipping (pre-installed) position. Figure 1d An example of this position is shown in . The base structure 116 may include, define or otherwise provide a carrier portion 102a and a fastener portion 102b. The fastener assembly 102 is designed to snap into an opening of the component 104 via the fastener portion 102b.

[0051] The carrier portion 102a is configured to couple with the tube 110 (or another object) and / or to secure the tubes (or another object) relative to each other and ultimately relative to the component 104. In the illustrated example, the carrier portion 102a includes a payload portion 134 and a grommet portion 136. The payload portion 134 is configured to couple with the tube 110 and as Figure 1c As best shown in FIG. 1 , the grommet portion 136 defines a grommet opening 138 that is configured to receive and engage the locking pin 108 .

[0052] The illustrated fastener assembly 102 includes one or more features located in or on the base structure 116 that allow the strap 140 to fasten the fastener assembly 102 to the tube 110. In the illustrated example, these features are provided in the form of two or more strap openings 142 formed in or through at least a portion of the base structure 116 (e.g., the payload portion 134). The strap 140 is configured to pass through one or more strap openings 142 (two in the illustrated example) and form a loop around the tube 110. The free ends of the strap 140 can be connected to each other via, for example, a strap fastener 144 to secure the tube 110. The strap fastener 144 can be a ratchet mechanism, a locking structure, a buckle, a clip, a hook-and-loop fastener, etc. In some examples, the strap 140 and the strap fastener 144 are provided as a cable tie or a cable tie.

[0053] Although a single strap 140 is shown, more or fewer straps 140 may be provided depending on design needs (e.g., the number of tubes 110 that need to be secured). The dimensions of the carrier portion 102a will be adjusted accordingly to accommodate the desired number of straps 140 and / or tubes 110. Likewise, although primarily described as a fastener configured to attach tubes 110, the fastener assembly 102 may be used to attach other objects and components.

[0054] The fastener portion 102b of the illustrated fastener assembly 102 is used to couple the carrier portion 102a to the component 104. During assembly, the fastener portion 102b of the fastener assembly 102 is inserted into the opening 106 in the component 104 in the direction indicated by the arrow 118. The one or more tubes 110 may be, for example, brake lines, fuel lines, cables (e.g., electrical cables), pipes, and / or any other tubular structures that may be secured to the component 104. Although the fastener assembly 102 will primarily be described as a fastener configured to attach the tubes 110, the fastener assembly may also be used to attach other objects and components.

[0055] The fastener portion 102b is generally perpendicular to the carrier portion 102a so that the central longitudinal axis 114 extends downwardly along the center of the fastener portion 102b. The fastener portion 102b includes a pair of legs 150 that are elastically coupled to the carrier portion 102a or its underside. Each of the pair of legs 150 may define one or more protrusions 148a, 148b or other features to interact with the shank 152 of the locking pin 108 and with the component 104 near the opening 106 when fully assembled. Each of the pair of legs 150 includes an inner protrusion 148a (i.e., oriented toward each other and toward the central longitudinal axis 114) and an outer protrusion 148b (i.e., oriented away from each other and away from the central longitudinal axis 114).

[0056] Legs 150 are configured to bend inwardly toward central longitudinal axis 114 when fastener portion 102b passes through opening 106 in component 104. To form a connection with component 104, fastener portion 102b of fastener assembly 102 is inserted into opening 106 formed in or on a surface of component 104 as indicated by arrow 118. In some examples, fastener portion 102b may extend beyond component 104 and protrude away from B-side surface 104b, such as Figure 1b , Figure 1g and Figure 1h In this example, the handle 152 is configured to act on the inner protrusion 148a and bias the pair of legs 150 outwardly, as indicated by arrows 154a and 154b, when the locking pin 108 is inserted into the grommet opening 138 of the base structure 116 in the direction indicated by arrow 118. This outward biasing of the pair of legs 150 causes the outer protrusion 148b to move outwardly, thereby securing the fastener portion 102b within the opening 106 (e.g., by abutting the B-side surface 104b to resist extraction).

[0057] Fastener portion 102b may be integral with carrier portion 102a or attached thereto during assembly (e.g., via an adhesive, a welding process, a mechanical coupling, etc.). In some examples, fastener assembly 102 may include additional features (such as ribs and wings) to reduce noise and / or rattle between fastener assembly 102 and component 104.

[0058] If the tubes 110 and / or fastener assembly 102 are improperly installed or otherwise positioned, the fastener assembly 102 may separate from the component 104, and / or one or more of the tubes 110 may become misaligned or detached relative to the fastener assembly 102. Similarly, when the tubes 110 are improperly attached to the fastener assembly 102, the tubes 110 may separate from the fastener assembly 102, or may become damaged or loose.

[0059] The two components of the fastener assembly 102 can each be formed as an integral structure. For example, the locking pin 108 and the base structure 116 can each be manufactured via mold processing and plastic injection molding processes. In another example, one or both of the locking pin 108 and the base structure 116 can be a printed thermoplastic material component that can be printed with high accuracy and with many details, which is particularly advantageous when forming components that require complex and / or precise features. Additive manufacturing technology does not require mold processing that is usually associated with plastic injection molding, thereby reducing initial manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous in small batch production. In some examples, the fastener assembly 102 can be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition molding (FDM), light solidification (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed melting, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing process).

[0060] Additive manufacturing technology prints objects in three dimensions, so the minimum feature size (i.e. resolution) in the XY plane (horizontal resolution) and the layer height in the Z axis (vertical resolution) are both considered in the overall printer resolution. The horizontal resolution is the minimum movement that the printer's extruder can make in the X and Y axes within a layer, while the vertical resolution is the minimum thickness of a layer produced in one movement of the printer. Printer resolution describes layer thickness and XY resolution in dots per inch (DPI) or microns (μm). The diameter of a particle (3D dot) in the horizontal resolution can be about 50 to 100 μm (510 to 250 DPI).

[0061] Typical layer thickness (vertical resolution) is about 100 μm (250 DPI), but layers can be as thin as 16 μm (1,600 DPI). The smaller the particles, the higher the horizontal resolution (i.e., the higher the detail produced by the printer). Similarly, the smaller the layer thickness in the Z axis, the higher the vertical resolution (i.e., the smoother the printed surface will be). However, the printing process in higher vertical resolution printing will take longer to produce finer layers because the printer has to produce more layers. In some examples, fastener assembly 102 can be formed or otherwise manufactured at different resolutions during a printing operation. For example, carrier portion 102a (or portion thereof) can be printed at a higher resolution than the resolution of fastener portion 102b, and vice versa, as required by a particular application.

[0062] Figure 2a to Figure 2c as well as Figure 3a to Figure 3c 1 and 2 show views of the fastening system 100 in a first position (shown as tab position A) and a second position (shown as tab position B). Figure 2a to Figure 2cA first side elevation view, a top plan view, and a second side elevation view of the fastening system 100 in a first position are shown, respectively. Figure 2d The fastening system 100 is shown in a first position along the section line CC ( Figure 2c ) is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view taken from the top of FIG. Figure 3a to Figure 3c A first side elevation view, a top plan view, and a second side elevation view of the fastening system 100 in a second position are shown, respectively. Figure 3d The fastening system 100 is shown in the second position along the section line DD ( Figure 2c ) taken from a three-dimensional cross-sectional view.

[0063] In the illustrated example, to facilitate tracking, the fastener assembly 102 includes a locking pin 108 having a shank 152 and a head 128 coupled to the shank. The head 128 defines a generally flat surface that supports and / or provides an installation indicator 126 that can be tracked by the visual quality system 120 (e.g., Figure 4a and Figure 4b ) and / or manual inspection. When in the fully installed position, the head 128 is a generally flat structure that includes a fixed flat portion 128b (fixed relative to the handle 152) and one or more movable wing portions 128a. In the example shown, the head 128 includes a fixed flat portion 128b and two movable wing portions 128a positioned on opposite sides of the fixed flat portion 128b.

[0064] The head 128 and / or the installation indicator 126 may be integral to the fastener assembly 102. The head 128 includes or provides an installation indicator 126, which may be a 2-dimensional fiducial marker (e.g., a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, an AprilTag, etc.) located on the wing portion 128a of the head 128. An example barcode 126a and an example QR code 126b are shown in FIG. Figure 1c Although the head 128 is shown as a generally flat structure, other shapes can be used to orient the installation indicator 126 at a suitable angle relative to the reader 122 when the component 104 is properly inserted and seated in the opening 106 of the component 104. In another example, the installation indicator 126 can be a 3-dimensional fiducial mark formed on the head 128. In some examples, the head 128 can also be used to secure the tube 110 in place.

[0065] To facilitate movement, the head 128 includes or defines one or more hinges 156 that allow the wing portion 128a to pivot, bend, or move about the pivot axis 130 relative to the fixed flat portion 128b of the head 128 as indicated by arrow 132. In one example, the wing portion 128a is configured to pivot about the pivot axis 130 between a first position (e.g., a shipping position, such as a partially assembled position, identified as position A) and a second position (e.g., an installed position, identified as position B, with the locking pin 108 properly seated in the base structure 116). When the tube 110 is seated in the base structure 116, the outer surface of the tube 110 contacts the head 128 and causes the head to rotate about the pivot axis 130 from the first position to the second position as indicated by arrow 132 (or vice versa when the tube 110 is removed from the base structure 116).

[0066] When the locking pin 108 is properly inserted into the base structure 116, the base structure 116 causes the wing portion 128a of the locking pin 108 to pivot about the pivot axis 130 to assume the second position. When the locking pin 108 is improperly inserted into the base structure 116 (or another abnormal condition occurs), the head 128 will assume a third position (e.g., an intermediate position between the first and second positions, such as another non-planar position).

[0067] refer to Figure 1i , a first section of the mounting indicator 126 is arranged on the fixed flat part 128b of the head 128. As described in the first embodiment, on the right and left sides of the fixed flat part 128b, wing parts 128a in the form of curved plates are connected to the fixed flat part 128b by film hinges 156. Each of the two wing parts 128a carries another section of the mounting indicator 126. In the first position of the wing parts 128a (position A), the wing parts 128a sag at a certain angle so that the mounting indicator 126 cannot be read by the visual quality system 120. Once the head 128 has assumed its final fully seated mounting position (position B) after the push-in process in the direction indicated by the arrow 118, the fixed flat part 128b and the two wing parts 128a are in one plane by virtue of the two wing parts 128a having been rotated relative to the fixed flat part 128b as indicated by the arrow 158 due to the partial contact with the grommet part 136. The installation indicator 126 may now be read by the vision quality system 120 .

[0068] The fastener assembly 102 is designed to be attached to a vehicle frame after being pre-attached to a wiring harness or the like via a strap 140 (eg, a cable tie or cable tie).

[0069] During transportation, refer to Figure 2d and Figure 3d , features on the locking pin 108 and the base structure 116 ensure that the locking pin 108 remains in the proper position (e.g., the parts assembly (PIA) position) until it is inserted into the component 104. The locking projection 160 of the locking pin 108 has an engagement shoulder 162 that engages a locating edge 164 at a distal end 166 of the flexible leg feature 146 of the base structure 116, thereby preventing movement when a force is applied in the direction indicated by the arrow 118.

[0070] Once the customer receives the package, the first step is to attach the fastener assembly 102 into a bundle with the band 140 and then insert the fastener assembly into the component 104. During shipping, the locking pin 108 and the features on the base structure 116 hold the locking pin 108 in place until it is inserted into the component 104. During installation into the component 104, the flexible leg features 146 of the base structure 116 contact the edge features 112 of the component 104. In this example, these features are symmetrical on each side of the fastener assembly 102.

[0071] Once installed into the component 104, the flexible leg features 146 move to a new position, allowing the locking protrusions 160 to clear the flexible leg features 146 of the base structure 116 and disengage them. This allows the locking pin 108 to be pushed into the final assembly position. Until the locking pin 108 is fully installed, the visual quality system 120 cannot read the barcode / QR code engraved on the top of the locking pin 108 on the fixed flat portion 128b and the wing portion 128a. Once the locking pin 108 is fully in place, the legs 150 move along the arrows 154a and 154b ( Figure 1h ) are pushed outwardly in the direction shown so that they engage and secure to component 104. Wing portion 128a is bent to a flat position, allowing visual quality system 120 to read and verify a correct and complete installation.

[0072] Figure 4a and Figure 4b An assembled isometric view of the fastener assembly 102 and the component 104 and the verification system and an assembled isometric view are shown, respectively. As shown, the fastening system 100 can be used with a visual quality system 120 having a reader 122 and a computer 124. The visual quality system 120 (or its components) can be positioned adjacent to the fastener assembly 102 and / or the component 104 to monitor the assembly of the fastener assembly 102 and the component 104 and / or the insertion of the tube 110. In the example shown, the visual quality system 120 includes, among other things, a reader 122 that is communicatively coupled to the computer 124. The reader 122 can be communicatively coupled to the computer 124 via a wired or wireless link. The reader 122 is arranged to image or otherwise track an installation indicator 126 associated with the fastener assembly 102.

[0073] In some examples, the head 128 is designed so that one or more installation indicators 126 are not visible to the visual quality system 120 until the locking pin 108 is fully assembled. That is, when the locking pin 108 is properly seated in the base structure 116, and / or the fastener assembly 102 is properly seated in the opening 106 of the component 104. For example, if the locking pin 108 is not fully inserted, the head 128 will not assume the second position (e.g., the wing portion 128a is not in the same plane as the fixed flat portion 128b) and the visual quality system 120 will not be able to detect the installation indicator 126 or determine that the angle is incorrect. In either case, the visual quality system 120 will indicate an error or anomaly.

[0074] If the computer 124 determines, via one or more processors 124a coupled to a memory device 124b, that the fastener assembly 102 is not properly installed to the component 104 based at least in part on one or more installation indicators 126, an alert can be communicated to an operator (e.g., via a portable communication device), and / or, in the case of a robotic assembly, the robot can automatically repeat the assembly process to correct the error.

[0075] Although one installation indicator 126 is shown, more or fewer installation indicators 126 may be employed and may be associated with the fastener assembly 102 during installation. Further, additional installation indicators 126 may be formed in or on the fastener assembly 102 to provide redundancy and / or improve accuracy by having multiple position data points. In some examples, in addition to or as an alternative to being disposed on the head 128, one or more installation indicators 126 may be positioned on another portion of the carrier portion 102a (e.g., a sidewall of the carrier portion).

[0076] The installation indicator 126 is coupled to the head 128. The installation indicator 126 can be printed directly on the head 128, applied as a sticker, or otherwise fixed. The wing portion 128a is coupled to the fixed flat portion 128b of the head 128 via the hinge 156. The wing portion 128a is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. Specifically, when the locking pin 108 is properly seated into the tube base structure 116 of the carrier portion 102a, the head 128 assumes the second position. The reader 122, which is separate from the fastener assembly 102 and operatively coupled to the computer, is configured to track the installation indicator 126 during installation of the tube 110 or the fastener assembly 102 via the processor 124a.

[0077] Figure 5a to Figure 5eA perspective view, a top plan view, a bottom plan view, a first side elevation view, and a second side elevation view of a locking pin according to another aspect of the present disclosure are shown respectively. The locking pin 108 component can also be produced with a wing portion 128a, which is protected by a ridge feature 168. These features prevent unintentional or undesirable contact with other components that may bend the wing portion 128a. These wing portions 128a are designed to have a break in the surface 170 so that they can be bent. Additionally, when a code is etched on the surface, the code cannot be read by a code scanner at this position. When the locking pin 108 component is inserted, a force is applied in the direction shown by the arrow 118. When the wing portion 128a contacts the base structure 116 component, the wing portion is forced upward. In the case of complete installation, the break in the surface 170 becomes non-existent, and the installation indicator 126 is made integral and scannable.

[0078] Figures 6a to 6e A perspective view, a top plan view, a bottom plan view, a first side elevation view, and a second side elevation view of a locking pin according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure are shown, respectively. The locking pin 108 component can also be produced with wing portions 128a having angled visual interference notches 172. These provide a second stage of protection, preventing a scanner from reading the code before the locking pin 108 is fully installed in the base structure 116. Additionally, during installation, protruding features 174 have been added to the locking pin 108 component. These protruding features stabilize the pin during assembly, thereby preventing undesired movement.

[0079] 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. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope 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 is 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, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A fastener assembly for coupling a tube to an opening formed in a component via a band, the fastener assembly comprising: a locking pin having a handle having a head, wherein the handle comprises a locking protrusion, and wherein the head comprises a fixed flat portion coupled to the handle and at least one wing portion coupled to the fixed flat portion via a hinge, and wherein the head portion includes a mounting indicator positioned on at least a portion of each of the fixed flat portion and the at least one wing portion; and a base structure having a grommet portion defining a grommet opening and a pair of legs resiliently coupled to the grommet portion and configured to couple with the opening, wherein the grommet opening is configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the handle, wherein a first leg of the pair of legs includes a flexible leg feature formed therein and resiliently coupled thereto, the flexible leg feature defining a locating edge, and Wherein, the locking projection is configured to engage with the locating edge to secure the locking pin in a parts assembly (PIA) position relative to the base structure.

2. A fastener assembly for coupling a tube to an opening formed in a component via a band, the fastener assembly comprising: a locking pin having a shank having a head, wherein the shank includes a locking projection; and a base structure having a grommet portion defining a grommet opening and a pair of legs resiliently coupled to the grommet portion and configured to couple with the opening, wherein the grommet opening is configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the handle, wherein a first leg of the pair of legs includes a flexible leg feature formed therein and resiliently coupled thereto, the flexible leg feature defining a locating edge, and Wherein, the locking projection is configured to engage with the locating edge to secure the locking pin in a parts assembly (PIA) position relative to the base structure.

3. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The head includes a mounting indicator.

4. The fastener assembly of claim 3, wherein: The installation indicator is a reference mark.

5. The fastener assembly of claim 3, wherein: The head includes a fixed flat portion coupled to the handle and at least one wing portion coupled to the fixed flat portion via a hinge.

6. The fastener assembly of claim 5, wherein: The wing portion is configured to pivot, bend or move relative to the fixed planar portion.

7. The fastener assembly of claim 6, wherein: The wing portion is movable between a first position transverse to the fixed planar portion and a second position coplanar with the fixed planar portion.

8. The fastener assembly of claim 7, wherein: The first position corresponds to a pre-installation position and the second position corresponds to an installation position.

9. The fastener assembly of claim 3, wherein: The installation indicator is a Quick Response (QR) code.

10. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The strap is a cable tie or a cable tie.

11. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The head includes a fixed flat portion coupled to the handle and two wing portions, wherein each of the two wing portions is coupled to the fixed flat portion via a hinge.

12. The fastener assembly of claim 11, wherein: The fixed flat portion and the two wing portions define an elliptical perimeter.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The flex leg feature is configured to move from the PIA position to an intermediate position when installed into the component, thereby allowing the locking projection to clear the flex leg feature and allowing the locking pin to be urged to assume a final assembly position.

14. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The base structure includes a payload portion defining one or more strap openings configured to receive the strap.

15. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The locking projection is positioned on a first surface of the handle, and the handle includes a second locking projection positioned on a second surface of the handle opposite the first surface.

16. The fastener assembly of claim 15, wherein: The second locking projection is configured to engage a second locating edge of a second flexible leg feature of a second leg of the pair of legs.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: Each leg of the pair of legs includes an inner protrusion oriented toward a central longitudinal axis and an outer protrusion oriented away from the central longitudinal axis.

18. The fastener assembly of claim 17, wherein: The locking pin is configured to engage the inner projection to bias the pair of legs away from the central longitudinal axis to engage the component via the outer projection.

19. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The head includes one or more ridge features configured to protect the at least one wing portion.

20. The fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein: The handle includes protruding features configured to mitigate undesired movement.

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