U-shaped retaining nut

Abstract

A stamped metal retention clip is described for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening. The retention clip includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion, a contact plate, and a fastener plate. The first flat portion and the second flat portion are resiliently connected via a first U-shaped bend. The contact plate is resiliently coupled with the second flat portion via a second U-shaped bend and includes a fastener opening for receiving a fastener and a component engagement feature for engaging the first opening. The first flat portion and the second flat portion are spaced apart to define a channel configured to receive a first component. The fastener plate is resiliently coupled with the second flattened portion via an angled bend and includes an internally threaded neck ring for threaded engagement with the fastener. Each of the contact plate and the fastener plate is positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 648,366, entitled “Retention U-Nut”, filed May 16, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Automotive parts require fastening technologies that are simple to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the fastening technology must first and foremost be reliable and efficient.

[0004] Clips are widely used in various industries to hold, fasten, or hold components together. Traditional clip designs typically rely on elastic deformation to generate clamping force. However, excessive compression can lead to material fatigue, permanent deformation, or failure of the clip or the fastened component. In sensitive applications (such as electronics, medical devices, or precision components), it is necessary to control the maximum applied compressive force to avoid damage.

[0005] Therefore, despite some progress to date, there is still a need for a clamp that provides reliable retention while incorporating features to limit maximum compressive force. Such a clamp would enhance durability, protect vulnerable parts, and ensure consistent performance during repeated use. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure generally relates to retaining clips that form a connection between two components (such as vehicle components), substantially as shown and described in conjunction with at least one drawing, and as set forth more fully in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] 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 refer to 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.

[0008] Figure 1a A lower isometric assembly view of a fastening system according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown, the fastening system having a retainer assembly having a retaining clip.

[0009] Figure 1b An isometric assembly view of the fastening system is shown.

[0010] Figure 1c The top side is equidistant assembly view of the fastening system is shown.

[0011] Figure 1d and Figure 1e The fastening system is shown along the section line AA ( Figure 1c (The sectional isometric view and the side elevation view are extracted.)

[0012] Figure 2a Showing Figures 1a to 1e Isometric view of the top side of the retaining clip.

[0013] Figure 2b The retaining clip is shown along the section line BB ( Figure 2d (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0014] Figure 2c The retaining clip is shown along the section line CC ( Figure 2d (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0015] Figure 2d An elevation view of the first side of the retaining clip is shown.

[0016] Figure 2e An elevation view of the second side of the retaining clip is shown.

[0017] Figure 2f The second side of the retaining clip is shown along the section line DD ( Figure 2a (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0018] Figure 3a A top-side isometric view of a retaining clip according to another aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 3b Showing Figure 3a Isometric view of the lower side of the retaining clip.

[0020] Figure 3c and Figure 3d They were shown respectively Figure 3a First side view and second side view of the retaining clip.

[0021] Figure 3e and Figure 3f They were shown respectively Figure 3a Top and bottom views of the retaining clamp.

[0022] Figure 3g and Figure 3h They were shown respectively Figure 3a The third and fourth side views of the retaining clip.

[0023] Figure 3i The retaining clip is shown along the section line EE ( Figure 3h (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0024] Figure 3j The retaining clip is shown along the section line FF ( Figure 3h (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0025] Figure 3k The retaining clip is shown along the section line GG ( Figure 3e (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0026] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The lower isometric view and side elevation view of the retaining clamp with an internally threaded collar having a first diameter (D1) are shown respectively.

[0027] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The images show the lower isometric view and the side elevation view of the retaining clip with an internally threaded collar having a second diameter (D2).

[0028] Figure 6a This shows a top-side isometric view of the retaining clip in yet another example.

[0029] Figure 6b The retaining clip is shown along the section line HH ( Figure 6d (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0030] Figure 6c The retaining clip is shown along section line II ( Figure 6d (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.)

[0031] Figure 6d An elevation view of the first side of the retaining clip is shown.

[0032] Figure 6e An elevation view of the second side of the retaining clip is shown.

[0033] Figure 6f The second side of the retaining clip is shown along the section line JJ. Figure 6a (A sectional view taken from the cut-off section.) Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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 intended 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 ​​herein are not intended 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 included in 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.

[0035] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be understood to indicate deviations permissible for satisfactory operation for the intended purpose, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein by way of example only 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 “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 element recited in the claims is essential for the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0036] 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".

[0037] A retaining clip for forming a connection between two components (such as vehicle components) is disclosed.

[0038] In one example, a stamped metal retaining clip for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening includes: a first flat portion and a second flat portion resiliently connected via a first U-shaped bend; a contact plate resiliently connected to the second flat portion via a second U-shaped bend and including a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener and a component engagement feature configured to engage the first opening, wherein the first flat portion and the second flat portion are spaced apart to define a channel configured to receive the first component; and a fastener plate resiliently connected to the second flat portion via an angled bend and including an internally threaded collar configured to thread-engage with a fastener, wherein each of the contact plate and the fastener plate is positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

[0039] In one example, a retaining clip for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening includes: a first flat portion and a second flat portion resiliently connected to each other; a contact plate resiliently connected to the second flat portion and including a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener; and a fastener plate resiliently connected to the second flat portion and including an internally threaded collar configured to thread-engage with a fastener, wherein each of the contact plate and the fastener plate is positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

[0040] In yet another example, a retainer assembly for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening includes: a fastener having a head and a shank; and a stamped metal retainer clip including: a first flat portion and a second flat portion resiliently connected to each other; a contact plate resiliently connected to the second flat portion and including a fastener opening configured to receive the shank; and a fastener plate resiliently connected to the second flat portion and including an internally threaded collar configured to thread-engage with the shank, wherein each of the contact plate and the fastener plate is positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

[0041] In some examples, the first flat portion, the second flat portion, the fastener plate, and the contact plate are parallel to each other.

[0042] In some examples, the contact plate includes a component engagement feature configured to engage a first opening.

[0043] In some examples, the first flat portion and the second flat portion are spaced apart to define a channel that is configured to receive the first component.

[0044] In some examples, the fastener plate is connected to the second flat portion via an angled bend, causing the fastener plate to be offset relative to the second flat portion.

[0045] In some examples, the component joining feature is a ring ridge.

[0046] In some examples, the component joining feature is a roughly U-shaped body.

[0047] In some examples, the component joining feature includes a pair of wings.

[0048] In some examples, the pair of wings protrude toward the first flat section.

[0049] In some examples, the pair of wings are positioned on opposite sides of the fastener opening.

[0050] In some examples, the retaining clip further includes a guide lip positioned adjacent to the opening of the channel and configured to guide the first component into the channel.

[0051] In some examples, the guide lip is attached to the contact plate.

[0052] In some examples, the retaining clip is a stamped metal part.

[0053] Figure 1a A lower isometric assembly view of a fastening system 100 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. The fastening system includes a retainer assembly 102 having a retaining clip 110. Figure 1b and Figure 1c An equidistant assembly view and a top-side equidistant assembly view of the fastening system 100 are shown respectively. Figure 1d and Figure 1e The fastening system 100 is shown along... Figure 1c The sectional isometric view and side elevation view are taken from the section line AA. The fastening system 100 shown includes a first component 104, a second component 106, and a retainer assembly 102. The retainer assembly 102 is configured to combine the first component 104 and the second component 106, while providing compression restraint features and retention features in particular.

[0054] To facilitate attachment via the retainer assembly 102, each of the first component 104 and the second component 106 includes one or more engagement features. For example, the first component 104 is shown having a first opening 114 formed therein, and the second component 106 is shown having a second opening 120 formed therein. In the example shown, the first opening 114 is circular and configured to receive and engage the retainer clip 110, while the second opening 120 is circular and its size and shape are determined to be part of receiving the fastener 108.

[0055] The first opening 114 and the second opening 120 can be formed in the respective first component 104 or second component 106 through mechanical processes (e.g., drilling, cutting, engraving, etc.) during their manufacture or during a later manufacturing process. After the first component 104 and the second component 106 are assembled, as... Figure 1a As is most clearly shown, the second component 106 at least partially covers the first component 104.

[0056] The retainer assembly 102 is shown as a multi-part retainer assembly 102 having a fastener 108 (e.g., an externally threaded shaft, such as a bolt) and a retaining clip 110 (e.g., a metal retaining clip) including a body portion 142, which in particular has a compression restraint 124 and an internally threaded collar 112. As will be described in conjunction with other examples, the compression restraint 124 and the internally threaded collar 112 may be integrated with the retaining clip 110. The retaining clip 110 is used for mechanical engagement and connection with a first part 104 via a first opening 114, while the fastener 108 and the internally threaded collar 112 are used for connecting the first part (via the retaining clip 110) to a second part 106 (via its second opening 120). The internally threaded collar 112 may include a cylindrical body 132 defining an internally threaded hole 128 configured as a threaded engagement shank 108b.

[0057] It is conceivable that certain components of the multi-part retainer assembly 102 may be manufactured as stamped metal parts using metal stamping techniques. For example, retainer clip 110 may be made from a single sheet of metal and stamped / bent using metal stamping techniques, while fastener 108 may be made from metal via one or more metal forming techniques (such as cold forging). In another example, retainer clip 110 may be manufactured as a stamped metal part, while fastener 108 may be made from plastic material using plastic injection molding, additive manufacturing, or other methods. In some examples, one or more components of retainer assembly 102 may be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed melting, directional energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing process).

[0058] The first component 104 and the second component 106 may be, for example, an automotive panel or other automotive component. Depending on the application, one or both of the first component 104 and / or the second component 106 may be made of, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), or a combination thereof. In the automotive industry, examples of the first component 104 and the second component 106 include, but are not limited to, door trim panels, molded parts, trim pieces, and other substrates (whether used as inner or outer surfaces), automotive panels, structural components of a vehicle such as doors, pillars (e.g., A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, etc.), dashboard components (e.g., transverse members, brackets, frames, etc.), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, sheet metal frames, etc. Depending on the application, the first component 104 and / or the second component 106 may be made of, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber) or a combination thereof.

[0059] As shown in the figure, fastener 108 includes a head 108a, a shank 108b, and a flange 108c. In this example, fastener 108 includes a head 108a and a shank 108b, the head being hexagonal to facilitate tool engagement, such as with a socket, screwdriver, or wrench, and the shank having external threads for engagement with internal threads. The flange 108c is used to increase the contact surface area between the head 108a and the second component 106, thereby distributing clamping loads and minimizing localized stress concentrations. Although fastener 108 is shown as a threaded bolt with a hexagonal head 108a, other types of fasteners, including square-head fasteners, can be envisioned depending on application requirements.

[0060] During installation, such as Figure 1a and Figure 1b As most clearly shown, the retaining clip 110 is slid onto the edge of the first component 104 as indicated by arrow 116, such that the compression limiter 124 and the internally threaded collar 112 are substantially aligned with the first opening 114 formed in the first component 104. As will be described, the retaining clip 110 can be configured to engage the first component 104 by a snap-fit ​​or interference fit to retain itself prior to final assembly. Once the retaining clip 110 is installed, the second component 106 is positioned above the retaining clip 110 and lowered as indicated by arrow 118, such that the compression limiter 124 is inserted into the second opening 120. Reference Figure 1a Then the shank 108b of the fastener 108 can be inserted through the compression limiter 124, the first component 104, the second component 106 and the retaining clip 110 to engage with the internal threaded neck ring 112, thereby forming a connection.

[0061] Fastener 108 is rotatable relative to the internally threaded collar 112 about its axis of rotation 122 to engage and compress the first component 104 and the second component 106 relative to each other. In this example, the internally threaded collar 112 is rotationally secured relative to the retaining clip 110 and to the first component 104 and the second component 106 to prevent it from unscrewing during installation. As will be described in more detail, compression limiter 124 is used to limit axial displacement and excessive compressive load on the second component 106, thereby protecting material integrity. Additional features of the retaining clip 110 provide alignment, positional stability, and tactile feedback during the assembly process.

[0062] Accordingly, the size and shape of the first opening 114 are determined to receive and retain the retaining clip 110 and allow the fastener shank 108b to pass through. In the example shown, the first opening 114 is generally circular, but may optionally include chamfers, fillets, or other features to facilitate centering and insertion. A portion of the first component 104 is held or clamped between opposing portions of the retaining clip 110 such that the fastener opening 134 formed in the retaining clip 110 is coaxially aligned with the first opening 114 and ultimately with the second opening 120 formed in the second component 106.

[0063] In some examples, the retainer assembly 102 includes a seal configured to mitigate the passage of dust, dirt, water, or other environmental contaminants through the first opening 114 and / or the second opening 120. The seal may be implemented as a ring (e.g., annular) formed of a compressible or elastic material, such as closed-cell foam, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber, or silicone. In one example, the seal is radially positioned around the fastener shank 108b and axially positioned between the second component 106 and the underside of the head 108a to form a fluid-impermeable or particulate-resistant barrier.

[0064] The illustrated retaining clip 110 includes a body portion 142 that defines a channel 130 (e.g., a generally U-shaped channel) sized to receive and retain a portion of a first member 104. The illustrated body portion 142 is formed as a pair of opposing first flat portions 142a and second flat portions 142b, which are elastically connected by an integral resilient bend 142c (e.g., a U-shaped bend). The flat portions 142a and 142b apply a clamping force to the first member 104 when it is inserted into the channel 130, thereby providing mechanical retention. These flat portions are configured to default to a predetermined, unstressed shape.

[0065] The second flat portion 142b shown is stamped and bent to form a fastener plate 142e and a contact plate 142f, each of which extends from and is resiliently connected to the second flat portion 142b. The fastener plate 142e is resiliently connected at an end adjacent to a bend 142c and offset via an angled bend 142g to facilitate alignment during fastener engagement. The contact plate 142f is resiliently connected near a guide lip 140 at the entrance of the channel 130 via bends 142d (shown as a pair of spaced U-shaped bends). The fastener plate 142e includes or defines an internally threaded collar 112, which can be formed by extrusion, stamping, or thread forming operations. The guide lip 140 can be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the retaining clip to deflect and guide the first component 104 into the channel 130 during installation, thereby reducing the possibility of misalignment or jamming.

[0066] refer to Figure 2e and Figure 2fThe first flat portion 142a, the second flat portion 142b, the fastener plate 142e, and the contact plate 142f are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In this example, the fastener plate 142e and the contact plate 142f are stamped out from and / or integrally formed with the first flat portion 142a, and are bent such that they are parallel to each other and positioned between the first flat portion 142a and the second flat portion 142b. The first flat portion 142a and the contact plate 142f are spaced apart by a distance to define a channel 130, the dimensions of which are determined to accommodate the thickness of the first component 104 while maintaining sufficient clamping force.

[0067] The first flat portion 142a integrally includes a compression limiter 124. In the example shown, the compression limiter 124 is a hollow cylindrical body (e.g., an unthreaded extruded cylindrical wall) sized to slidably receive the shank 108b of the fastener 108 and insert it into the second opening 120. The compression limiter 124 operates to transfer compressive loads directly between the first component 104 and the second component 106, thereby minimizing material creep or crushing. The compression limiter 124 and the internally threaded collar 112 are generally concentric and oriented in opposite directions, wherein the compression limiter 124 extends upward relative to the first flat portion 142a, while the internally threaded collar 112 extends downward.

[0068] Contact plate 142f defines fastener opening 134 and additionally defines component engagement feature 136. Component engagement feature 136 is formed in or on contact plate 142f of retaining clip 110 and is configured to mechanically engage corresponding features of first component 104, thereby generating audible and tactile feedback during installation. In this example, reference... Figure 2b The component engagement feature 136 is an annular ridge formed to snap into the first opening 114 of the first component 104. The component engagement feature 136 axially secures the retaining clip 110 to the first component 104 via an interference fit and prevents undesirable dislocation before fastener installation. Figure 1d and Figure 1e As shown, the component engagement feature 136 protrudes into the first opening 114 to maintain positioning. For example, the component engagement feature 136 allows the retaining clip 110 to be pre-installed on the first component 104 as a part in assembly (PIA), thereby reducing assembly time, ensuring positioning accuracy, and simplifying manufacturing operations.

[0069] The retaining clip 110 further includes a sidewall 126 positioned between the bends 142c and configured to serve as an operating point during handling and assembly. The sidewall 126 can be engaged manually or with an insertion tool to facilitate axial displacement of the retaining clip 110 onto the first component 104 during installation.

[0070] Various features of the retaining clip 110 (e.g., compression limiter 124, internal threaded collar 112, component engagement feature 136, sidewall 126) can be formed by stamping, punching, embossing, and / or extruding the material of the body portion 142. These features are then bent into their final shape by forming operations to produce a structurally integral and dimensionally stable retaining clip 110 optimized for mass production.

[0071] Figures 3a to 3h Various views of the retaining clip 110 according to another aspect of this disclosure are shown. Figures 3a to 3k The retaining clip 110 is basically similar to Figures 2a to 2d The retaining clip differs in the configuration of component engagement feature 136.

[0072] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The top and bottom isometric views of the retaining clip 110 are shown respectively. Figure 3c and Figure 3d The first side view and the second side view are shown respectively. Figure 3e and Figure 3f The top and bottom views of the retaining clip 110 are shown respectively. Figure 3g and Figure 3h The third and fourth side views of the retaining clip are shown. Figures 3i to 3k Showing Figures 3a to 3h The cross-sectional view of the retaining clip 110 shown. Figure 3i Showed along Figure 3h The section cut by the cutting line EE; Figure 3j Showed along Figure 3h The section cut by the cutting line FF; and Figure 3k Showed along Figure 3e The section cut by the cutting line GG.

[0073] Although the component joining feature 136 in the previous example is shown as a ring ridge, other shapes are conceivable. In this example, reference... Figure 3i The component engagement feature 136, positioned on the contact plate 142f of the retaining clip 110, is generally U-shaped (e.g., horseshoe-shaped or omega (Ω)-shaped) and configured to project upward via a protrusion 136a formed at its apex to snap into a first opening 114 on the first component 104, thereby providing auditory and tactile feedback during installation onto the first component 104. In the example shown, the component engagement feature 136 is positioned in a fastener opening 134 (e.g., formed along the inner periphery of the fastener opening 134) and is generally U-shaped to at least partially surround or encircle the handle 108b during assembly.

[0074] The dimensions of the compression limiter 124 and the internally threaded collar 112 can be adjusted to accommodate fasteners 108 and second parts 106 of various sizes. For example, the diameter can be determined by the size of the fastener 108, which can be a metric size (e.g., M2, M2.5, M3, M3.5, M4, M4.2, M4.8, M5, M5.5, M6, M6.3, M8, M10, M12, M16, M20, etc.) or an imperial (inch-based) size (e.g., #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, #12, 1 / 4 inch, 5 / 16 inch, 3 / 8 inch, 1 / 2 inch, etc.). Similarly, the height (H) of the compression limiter 124 can be determined by the thickness of the second part 106.

[0075] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The image shows a lower isometric view and a side elevation view of a retaining clip 110 with an internally threaded collar 112 having a first diameter (D1). Figure 5a and Figure 5b The lower isometric view and side elevation view of the retaining clip 110 with an internally threaded collar 112 having a second diameter (D2) are shown respectively. In this example, the first diameter (D1) is larger than the second diameter (D2). The first diameter (D1) can be configured, for example, for use with an M6 fastener, while the second diameter (D2) can be configured for use with an M4.2 fastener. In these examples, the third diameter (D3) of the compression limiter 124 is the same, but can be adjusted similarly based on the dimensions of the fastener 108. The height (H) of the compression limiter 124 can be determined by the thickness of the second component 106; however, in Figure 4b and Figure 5b Each of them shows the same height (H).

[0076] Figures 6a to 6f Various views of the retaining clip 110 according to another aspect of this disclosure are shown. Figure 6a The top-side isometric view is shown. Figure 6b and Figure 6c They respectively showed along Figure 6d The sectional view is taken by cutting lines HH and II. Figure 6d and Figure 6e The first and second sides of the retaining clip 110 are shown in the elevation views. Figure 6f Showed along Figure 6a The cross-sectional view of the second side cut off by the cutting line JJ. Figures 6a to 6f The retaining clip 110 is basically similar to Figures 2a to 2d The retaining clip differs in the configuration of component engagement feature 136.

[0077] Although the component joining feature 136 in the previous example was shown as a ring ridge or a general U-shape, other shapes are conceivable. In this example, reference... Figure 6b The component engagement feature 136, positioned on the contact plate 142f of the retaining clip 110, includes a pair of wings 138 configured to project upwards on opposite sides to snap into a first opening 114 on the first component 104, thereby providing auditory and tactile feedback during installation onto the first component 104. In this example, the fastener opening 134 is non-circular. In the example shown, the component engagement feature 136 is positioned on both sides of the fastener opening 134.

[0078] Although this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of this method and / or system. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, this method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, this 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 punch-formed metal retention clip for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening, the punch-formed metal retention clip comprising: a first flat portion and a second flat portion elastically connected via a first U-shaped bend; a contact plate elastically coupled with the second flat portion via a second U-shaped bend and including a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener and a component engagement feature configured to engage the first opening, wherein the first flat portion and the second flat portion are spaced apart to define a channel configured to receive the first component; and a fastener plate elastically coupled with the second flat portion via an angled bend and including an internally threaded collar configured to threadably engage the fastener, wherein each of the contact plate and the fastener plate are positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

2. The punch formed metal retention clip of claim 1, wherein, The first flat portion, the second flat portion, the fastener plate, and the contact plate are parallel to one another.

3. A retention clip for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening, the retention clip comprising: a first flat portion and a second flat portion elastically connected with one another; a contact plate elastically coupled with the second flat portion and including a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener; and a fastener plate elastically coupled with the second flat portion and including an internally threaded collar configured to threadably engage the fastener, wherein each of the contact plate and the fastener plate are positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.

4. The retention clip of claim 3, wherein, The first flat portion, the second flat portion, the fastener plate, and the contact plate are parallel to one another.

5. The retention clip of claim 3, wherein, The contact plate includes a component engagement feature configured to engage the first opening.

6. The retention clip of claim 3, wherein, The first flat portion and the second flat portion are spaced apart to define a channel configured to receive the first component.

7. The retention clip of claim 3, wherein, The fastener plate is coupled with the second flat portion via an angled bend such that the fastener plate is offset relative to the second flat portion.

8. The retention clip of claim 5, wherein, The component engagement feature is an annular ridge.

9. The retention clip of claim 5, wherein, The component engagement feature is a generally U-shaped body.

10. The retention clip of claim 5, wherein, The component engagement feature includes a pair of wings.

11. The retention clip of claim 10, wherein, The pair of wings protrude toward the first flat portion.

12. The retention clip of claim 10, wherein, The pair of wings are positioned on opposite sides of the fastener opening.

13. The retention clip of claim 3, further comprising a guide lip positioned adjacent an opening of the channel and configured to guide the first component into the channel.

14. The retention clip of claim 13, wherein, The guide lip is coupled to the contact plate.

15. The retention clip of claim 3, wherein, The retention clip is a punch-formed metal component.

16. A retainer assembly for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening, the retainer assembly comprising: a fastener having a head and a shank; and a press-formed metal retainer clip comprising: a first flat portion and a second flat portion, the first and second flat portions being elastically connected to one another; a contact plate elastically coupled with the second flat portion and comprising a fastener opening configured to receive the shank; and a fastener plate elastically coupled with the second flat portion and comprising an internally threaded collar configured to threadably engage the shank, wherein each of the contact plate and the fastener plate are positioned between the first and second flat portions.

17. The retainer assembly of claim 16, wherein, the first and second flat portions, the fastener plate, and the contact plate are parallel to one another.

18. The retainer assembly of claim 16, wherein, the contact plate comprises a component engagement feature configured to engage the first opening.

19. The retainer assembly of claim 16, wherein, the fastener plate is coupled with the second flat portion via an angled bend such that the fastener plate is offset relative to the second flat portion.

20. The retainer assembly of claim 16, wherein, the retainer clip is a press-formed metal component.

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