Self-locking fastener

Abstract

A fastener for connecting a first component to a second component having an opening is disclosed. The fastener includes a head having two locking tabs, each shaped to have a sloped sidewall, and an introduction portion fitting into the opening. A handle connects the lead-in portion to a push rod having at least one angled (chamfered) edge. A flexible leg extends between the head and the introduction portion and compresses upon insertion of the introduction portion. During installation, the chamfered edge of the push rod slides against the sloped sidewall of the locking tab, allowing the push rod to move past the locking tab. Once in position, the locking tab holds the push rod, keeping the flexible leg compressed and securely locking the fastener.

Description

[0001] Cross-references This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 689,076, entitled “Self-Locking Fastener,” filed August 30, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive components require fastening solutions that are simple to manufacture and assemble yet highly reliable and efficient. Fasteners are typically used to secure sub-panels to main panels. For example, commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 6,652,206 describes a riveted type fastener for panel and other hole-retaining applications, wherein insertion causes an arm to expand to secure the fastener and engages a post protrusion with an arm recess to lock it in place. In some cases, fasteners engage openings in one or both panels that vary in shape (e.g., slots or holes) or size due to manufacturing tolerances. Despite advancements, there remains a need for fasteners that can reliably fit holes with large tolerances and be installed in a single step. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to fastening systems and fasteners for forming connections between components, such as automotive panels, as shown and described with respect to at least one of the accompanying drawings and set forth more fully in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0004] 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.

[0005] Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The following are shown: a disassembled side view, a partially assembled side view, and a fully assembled side view of an example fastening system according to various aspects of this disclosure, which is configured to form a connection between components.

[0006] Figure 1d A detailed side view of the locking tab of the fastener is shown.

[0007] Figure 1e A detailed side view of the fastener's push rod is shown.

[0008] Figure 1f A detailed side view of the head portion of the fastener is shown.

[0009] Figure 2a An isometric view of the lower side of a fastener according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 2b A top-side isometric view of a fastener according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2c The first vertical side view of the fastener is shown.

[0012] Figure 2d The second upright side view of the fastener is shown.

[0013] Figure 2e The fastener is shown in a third-angle side view, while Figure 2f It shows the section line AA ( Figure 2j (A cross-sectional side view of the section.)

[0014] Figure 2g The fourth vertical side view of the fastener is shown, while Figure 2h It shows the section line BB ( Figure 2j (A cross-sectional side view of the section.)

[0015] Figure 2i A top-down plan view of the fastener is shown.

[0016] Figure 2j The image shows a bottom-view plan view of the fastener.

[0017] Figure 2k It shows the section line CC ( Figure 2g (A top-view plan view of the fastener.)

[0018] Figure 2l It shows the section line CC ( Figure 2g (A top-side isometric view of the fastener.)

[0019] Figure 3 A side view of an example wiring clip based on various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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 incorporated into the description as if it were described separately herein. In the following description, it should be understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” and “back” are convenient words and should not be construed as restrictive terms. For example, although in some examples the first side is near or close to the second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order in which these sides are ordered.

[0021] When accompanied by numerical values, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” etc., should be understood as indicating deviations that, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, satisfactorily achieve the intended purpose. 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 (“e.g.,” “such as,” 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 “such as” and “for example” introduce one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0022] 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".

[0023] Fasteners having a head portion and a retaining portion can be used to form a connection between a first component and a second component (such as an automotive panel). The disclosed fastener is configured for installation in a single step while accommodating openings with relatively large tolerances (e.g., greater than 1 mm). During insertion, the interaction between the panel and the push rod causes the push rod to displace upward as a downward force is applied to the fastener. This displacement causes a resilient leg (e.g., a flexible leg) to bend from an initially substantially vertical orientation toward a substantially horizontal orientation. In the horizontal orientation, the resilient leg extends beyond the maximum size of the opening to generate an upward clamping force below the panel. In some embodiments, the fastener further includes an umbrella-shaped portion or flexible arm disposed above the panel to provide supplemental downward clamping force. As the fastener approaches its fully installed position, a locking feature between the head portion and the retaining portion holds the resilient leg in a deflected state, preventing the fastener from disengaging and securing the panel connection. Therefore, unlike existing fasteners that require a second step for installation or require small tolerances, the disclosed fastener provides increased tolerance adaptation and single-step operation via a single fastener.

[0024] In one example, a fastener for attaching a first component to a second component having an opening includes: a head portion configured to attach to the first component, the head portion including a pair of locking tabs, each locking tab having an inclined sidewall; an inlet portion configured to be inserted through the opening; a handle extending from the inlet portion; a push rod coupled to the handle, the push rod having at least one chamfered edge; and a pair of resilient legs extending between the head portion and the inlet portion, the resilient legs being configured to compress into a deflected state as the inlet portion passes through the opening; wherein at least one chamfered edge of the push rod is configured to engage the inclined sidewall of at least one locking tab during assembly to allow the push rod to pass between the locking tabs, and wherein the locking tabs are configured to capture the push rod after it has passed between the pair of locking tabs, thereby securing the resilient legs in the deflected state.

[0025] In another example, a fastener for attaching a first component to a second component having an opening includes: a head portion configured to attach to the first component, the head portion including a pair of locking tabs; an inlet portion configured to be inserted through the opening; a push rod coupled to a shank extending from the inlet portion; and a pair of resilient legs extending between the head portion and the inlet portion, the resilient legs being configured to compress into a deflected state as the inlet portion passes through the opening; wherein the locking tabs are configured to capture the push rod after insertion, thereby securing the resilient legs in the deflected state.

[0026] In some examples, the push rod includes an elongated structure that is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the shank.

[0027] In some examples, the push rod includes an elongated structure having at least one chamfered edge along its length, the chamfered edge being configured to engage at least one locking tab among the locking tabs during assembly.

[0028] In some examples, the push rod includes an elongated structure having a pair of chamfered edges along its length, the chamfered edges being configured to engage at least one of the locking tabs during assembly.

[0029] In some examples, each locking tab includes a sloping sidewall that is configured to engage the push rod during assembly.

[0030] In some examples, the locking tabs are offset relative to each other.

[0031] In some examples, each resilient leg includes a first segment connected to the second segment via a hinge.

[0032] In yet another example, a fastener for attaching a first component to a second component having an opening includes: a head portion configured to attach to the first component, the head portion including a first locking feature; an insertion portion configured to be inserted through the opening; a second locking feature attached to the insertion portion; and a pair of resilient legs extending between the head portion and the insertion portion, the resilient legs being configured to compress into a deflected state as the insertion portion passes through the opening; wherein the second locking feature is configured to attach to the first locking feature to secure the resilient legs in the deflected state.

[0033] In some examples, the second locking feature includes a push rod.

[0034] In some examples, the push rod is connected to the inlet via the handle.

[0035] In some examples, the push rod includes an elongated structure that is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the shank.

[0036] In some examples, the push rod is configured to engage the opening to secure the introduced portion relative to the second component during installation while the resilient leg continues to compress.

[0037] In some examples, the first locking feature includes one or more locking tabs.

[0038] In some examples, each of the one or more locking tabs is connected to the head portion via a support post.

[0039] In some examples, the first locking feature includes a pair of locking tabs.

[0040] In some examples, each of the pair of locking tabs is offset relative to each other.

[0041] In some examples, each of the pair of elastic legs includes a first segment connected to the second segment via a hinge.

[0042] In some examples, the resilient leg is configured to press against the first component when installed to generate a spring force that maintains the compression.

[0043] In some examples, the head portion is configured to be connected to the first component via a kennel feature.

[0044] Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The images show a disassembled side view, a partially assembled side view, and a fully assembled side view of an example fastening system 100 configured to form a connection between a first component 102 and a second component 104. The fastening system 100 typically includes a first component 102, a second component 104, and a fastener 106, wherein the fastener 106 is configured to be installed in a single step.

[0045] Fastener 106 includes a head portion 106a and a retaining portion 106b connected to each other via a resilient leg 132. Fastener 106 includes a pair of locking features between the head portion 106a and the retaining portion 106b to hold the resilient leg 132 in a deflected state (e.g., an assembled position). The pair of locking features may include a first locking feature (e.g., a locking tab 140) and a second locking feature (e.g., a push rod 142). Figure 1d A detailed side view of the locking tab 140 of the fastener 106 is shown, while Figure 1e A detailed side view of the push rod 142 of fastener 106 is shown, and Figure 1f A detailed side view of the head portion of fastener 106 in its assembled position is shown. For illustrative purposes, from... Figure 1f The first component 102 and the second component 104 are omitted.

[0046] The first component 102 and the second component 104 can be, for example, an automotive panel. Depending on the application, the first component 102 and the second component 104 can be made of, for example, a metal (or metal alloy), a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer (…). For example Plastics, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and composite materials ( For example It is manufactured using a combination of materials such as fiberglass (or glass fiber). In the automotive industry, example first component 102 includes, but is not limited to, door panels, molded parts, trim pieces, and other substrates (whether used as inner or outer surfaces).

[0047] The first component 102 may define surface A 102a and surface B 102b (shown as the lower surface). Surface A 102a (also referred to as the Class A surface) is typically the surface visible after assembly and is therefore more aesthetically pleasing. For example The first part 102 (textured, coated, or otherwise decorated) typically has no attachment devices and / or associated features. In contrast, the second part 104 is typically a surface that is not visible after assembly and typically includes various attachment devices and / or associated features. In the example shown, the first part 102 defines the doghouse feature 116, while the second part 104 defines the opening 118 (e.g., a hole, window, or cutout).

[0048] The second component 104 can be, for example, a structural component of a vehicle, such as a door or pillar. For example A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, etc.), dashboard components ( For example (e.g., beams, supports, frames, etc.), seat frames, center console, mudguards, sheet metal frames, etc. The second component 104 can define surface A 104a and surface B 104b (shown as the lower surface). After assembly, such as... Figure 1b In the best-presentation arrangement, the second component 104 is at least partially covered by the first component 102.

[0049] As shown in the figure, fastener 106 is attached to surface 102b of the first component 102, and depending on the material type, it can be attached after the first component 102 is manufactured. For example The fastener 106 is attached to surface B 102b using adhesive or mechanical attachment methods, such as the dog kennel feature 116 shown. Although only a single fastener 106 is shown in the example, it should be understood that multiple fasteners 106 can be used to connect the first part 102 to the second part 104, depending on the number of fastening points required between the first part 102 and the second part 104. For example, larger panels typically require multiple fastening points.

[0050] Figure 2a An isometric view of the lower side of the fastener 106 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2b A top-side isometric view of a fastener 106 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2c and Figure 2d The first and second standing side views of the fastener 106 are shown respectively. Figure 2e The third side view of fastener 106 is shown, while Figure 2f It shows the section line AA ( Figure 2j (A cross-sectional side view of the section.) Figure 2g The fourth standing side view of fastener 106 is shown, while Figure 2hIt shows the section line BB ( Figure 2j (A cross-sectional side view of the section.) Figure 2i and Figure 2j The top and bottom views of fastener 106 are shown respectively. Figure 2k It shows the section line CC ( Figure 2g The top view of fastener 106, taken from the sample. Figure 2l It shows the section line CC ( Figure 2g (A top side isometric view of the fastener 106 taken from the image.)

[0051] Fastener 106 is a generally rigid component that generally defines a head portion 106a and a retaining portion 106b extending away from the head portion 106a along a central axis 110. As can be understood, fastener 106 is configured to define a retaining area 152 between or adjacent to the retaining portion 106b and the head portion 106a for engaging and securely retaining the second component 104, thereby facilitating a reliable connection between the first component 102 and the second component 104. In some examples, a pair of wings 108 (or umbrella-like portions, collars, etc.) are arranged between the head portion 106a and the retaining portion 106b to provide supplemental downward clamping force to the fastening system 100. The head portion 106a may be integrally formed with the retaining portion 106b, and, where applicable, integrally formed with the pair of wings 108 or other features.

[0052] The head portion 106a is configured to engage or otherwise attach to the first component 102. In the example shown, the head portion 106a generally defines a set of spaced-apart components (shown as first plate portion 112a and second plate portion 112b) separated by a neck 114 (or another spacer). The spaced-apart components define gaps or cavities 150. The size and thickness of the spaced-apart components can be adjusted to accommodate varying load requirements or space constraints.

[0053] The head portion 106a shown thus includes a first plate portion 112a and a second plate portion 112b, which are connected by a neck 114 to define a gap or cavity 150 between the first plate portion 112a and the second plate portion 112b. The neck 114 extends between the first plate portion 112a and the second plate portion 112b and integrally connects the first plate portion 112a to the second plate portion 112b. The neck 114 shown is cylindrical and ensures the spacing between the first plate portion 112a and the second plate portion 112b to accommodate features of the first component 102, such as the kennel feature 116. The neck 114 shown is aligned along a central axis 110, which can also serve as the central axis of the entire fastener 106.

[0054] During assembly, fastener 106 is attached to the first component 102 by sliding the head portion 106a into the cavity 120 defined by the kennel feature 116. The kennel feature 116 includes a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls with engaging claws 134 configured to retain the head portion 106a. For example, the engaging claws 134 can slide into a gap or recess 150. This attachment ensures that the fastener remains securely in place during alignment with the second component 104. Therefore, the size and shape of the first plate portion 112a and the second plate portion 112b are set such that the second plate portion 112b fits into the cavity 120. Next, the first component 102 with the fastener 106 attached is aligned relative to the second component 104 such that the introduction portion 126 (e.g., the nose) is aligned with the opening 118 in the second component. The opening 118 can be a slot, a hole, or any other compatible shape.

[0055] Although shown as being configured for use with the kennel feature 116, the kennel feature 116, the second plate portion 112b, and / or the neck 114 may be omitted, and the fastener 106, or a portion thereof, may be attached to or integrated with the first component in another manner. For example, the head portion 106a may be adhesively fixed to the first component 102. In another example, the first component 102 and the fastener 106 may be formed as a single integral structure. Therefore, although this disclosure will be described generally in conjunction with the kennel feature 116, the teachings of this disclosure (such as those relating to the retaining portion 106b) can be applied to other types of fasteners that are intended to be installed in a single step while accommodating openings 118 with relatively large tolerances.

[0056] The retaining portion 106b is configured to engage or otherwise attach to the second component 104. The retaining portion 106b is configured to pass through at least a portion of the second component 104. For example (via opening 118) and attached to the second component 104. The opening 118 formed in the second component 104 defines a size and shape complementary to the size and shape of the retaining portion 106b, such that the retaining portion 106b can be inserted into and retained therein. In the example, the opening 118 may be generally circular ( For example (round hole) and / or groove ( For example (A narrow rectangular opening), but other shapes were envisioned, including quadrilateral openings, elliptical openings, rectangular openings, and square openings.

[0057] The retaining portion 106b is coupled to and extends downward from the lower side of the head portion 106a. The shown retaining portion 106b includes an inlet portion 126, a capturing assembly 148, and a pair of resilient legs 132 that are resiliently coupled to the head portion 106a and the inlet portion 126 and extend between the head portion 106a and the inlet portion 126. In the shown example, the capturing assembly 148 includes a push rod 142 that is coupled to the inlet portion 126 via a handle 152.

[0058] The lead-in portion 126 may be tapered, beveled, inclined, or otherwise tapered at its distal end to facilitate alignment during insertion of the opening 118. The lead-in portion 126 acts as a guide for the fastener during engagement, while the shaft portion 128 helps ensure a secure attachment between the head portion 106a and the lead-in portion 126. In some examples, the center rod 122 may provide additional structural support to mitigate deformation of the retaining portion 106b during installation and to maintain alignment with the central axis 110.

[0059] The shown inlet portion 126 is spaced apart from the head portion 106a and connected to the head portion 106a by a pair of resilient legs 132. A push rod 142 is disposed between the head portion 106a and the inlet portion 126 and between the resilient legs 132, and in some respects may be centrally aligned between the resilient legs 132. A handle 152 generally extends upward from the inlet portion 126 (e.g., toward the head portion 106a) along a central axis 110, and the push rod 142 is arranged perpendicular to the handle 152 such that the push rod extends outward from the handle 152. This arrangement allows the push rod 142 to engage the opening 118 and subsequently snap or lock with the locking tab 140.

[0060] During installation, for example, the resilient leg 132 is resiliently biased toward the B-side surface 104b of the second component 104. When the fastener 106 is inserted and pushed through the opening 118 of the second component 104 in the direction indicated by arrow 144, the capturing assembly 148 engages the opening 118, thereby compressing the resilient leg 132 against the second component 104. For example, the push rod 142 may be configured to have an elongated structure with a length greater than the width of the opening 118, thereby preventing the push rod 142 from passing through the opening 118 during assembly.

[0061] Because the push rod 142 cannot pass through the opening 118, the capturing assembly 148 and the introduction portion 126 become fixed (e.g., stationary) relative to the second part 104, while the resilient leg 132 compresses so that the head portion 106a can continue to move in the direction indicated by arrow 144. The capturing assembly 148 effectively moves closer to the head portion 106a, as indicated by arrow 146, until a portion of the capturing assembly 148 engages and locks with the head portion 106a. In other words, during installation, the push rod 142 is configured to latch onto the opening 118 and then pass through the locking tab 140 to secure (e.g., clamp or snap) with the locking tab 140.

[0062] refer to Figure 1c and Figure 1f The push rod 142 is pushed between and through a pair of locking tabs 140. The pair of locking tabs 140 are resiliently coupled to or formed within the head portion 106a to allow the push rod 142 to pass between them. In the example shown, the head portion 106a defines a pair of linear support posts 136 (e.g., a pair of spaced-apart walls) and one or more stabilizing shoulders 138. The pair of locking tabs 140 may be formed in or on the support posts 136 and generally oriented toward each other or toward the central axis 110. The size of the support posts 136 may depend on the expected thickness of the second component 104. The shoulders 138 help to mitigate movement (e.g., lateral movement) after assembly by increasing the contact area between the fastener and the second component 104.

[0063] refer to Figure 2k A pair of locking tabs 140 may be offset relative to each other to reduce insertion force, for example by allowing the push rod 142 to twist or rotate as it passes through the locking tabs 140. Although two locking tabs 140 are shown, any number of locking tabs 140 may be used, depending on factors such as the desired locking strength or the size of the fastener 106. In some embodiments, the locking tabs 140 may be aligned rather than offset. In other embodiments, the locking tabs 140 may extend across a larger portion of the width of the support post 136. For example, while the shown locking tab 140 spans less than a quarter of the width of the support post 136, it may alternatively span more than a quarter, more than a third, more than half, or even the entire width of the support post 136.

[0064] Once push rod 142 passes through a pair of locking tabs 140, the locking tabs 140 return to their default position to secure push rod 142 (and lead-in portion 126) of capture assembly 148 in place, thereby maintaining resilient leg 132 in a compressed state to secure first component 102 and second component 104 to each other. Resilient leg 132 also generates a spring force to maintain consistent panel clamping. This design effectively reduces or eliminates gaps that can cause buzzing, squeaking, and rattling (BSR) problems.

[0065] The geometry of the locking tab 140 and push rod 142 can be configured to reduce the insertion force during assembly while maintaining a robust post-assembly connection. For example, refer to... Figure 1d and Figure 1e Each of the locking tab 140 and push rod 142 includes one or more angled surfaces that engage with each other during assembly to minimize insertion force. Figure 1d As shown, the locking tab 140 can be configured as a generally triangular structure (i.e., a triangular side profile or cross-section) having at least one angled or inclined sidewall 140a (or beveled, rounded, etc.) and a flat top side 140b. Correspondingly, the push rod 142 can be formed as a generally elongated structure having a pair of chamfered edges 142a (or beveled, rounded, etc.) and a flat bottom side 142b. During assembly, the chamfered edges 142a contact the locking tab 140 via the angled sidewall 140a and displace it so that the push rod 142 can pass between them. Once the push rod 142 has passed the locking tab 140, and referring to… Figure 1f The locking tab 140 returns to its default position, and the flat top side 140b abuts against the flat bottom side 142b, thus securing it in place.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, each resilient leg 132 extends between the introduction portion 126 and the head portion 106a and includes a first lower segment 132a (e.g., a first linear segment) and a second upper segment 132b (e.g., a second linear segment). The lower segment 132a is resiliently connected (e.g., configured to flex or pivot) at its first end to the introduction portion 126 via a first hinge portion 130a, and the upper segment 132b is resiliently connected at its first end to a linear support post 136 of the head portion 106a via a second hinge portion 130b. The second ends of the upper segment 132b and the lower segment 132a are resiliently connected together via a third hinge portion 130c. One or more of the hinge portions 130a, 130b, and 130c may be live hinges integrally formed with the resilient leg 132 to allow resilient flex.

[0067] When the fastener 106 is pressed downward in the direction of arrow 144 (e.g., via the head portion 106a), the resilient leg 132 flexes relative to the head portion 106a and the lead portion 126 about the third hinge portion 130c, causing the upper segment 132b and the lower segment 132a to move toward each other in a folding or retracting motion until they are substantially parallel or at a small acute angle. In this way, the resilient leg 132 facilitates controlled relative movement between the head portion 106a and the retaining portion 106b along the central axis 110.

[0068] During assembly, a pair of wings 108 are arranged between the first component 102 and the second component 104, as follows: Figure 1c As shown. In some examples, fastener 106 may include a seal to mitigate the penetration of dust, dirt, and / or moisture through opening 118. The seal may be implemented as a ring ( For example (ring structure) and made of foam material, thermoplastic, rubber, etc. For example, the seal can be overmolded onto a portion of the fastener 106, or the seal can be configured to be fitted onto the distal end of the fastener 106 to surround a portion of the fastener 106 between the first part 102 and the second part 104. For example (adjacent to a pair of wings 108). In some examples, fastener 106 may include additional features (such as ribs) to reduce noise and / or rattles between the first component 102 and the second component 104.

[0069] The components and / or features of fastener 106 can be formed as a monolithic structure. While fastener 106 is envisioned to be manufactured as a monolithic component via plastic injection molding, other materials and / or processes, such as additive manufacturing, are also envisioned. Using additive manufacturing, components can be printed with high accuracy and numerous details, which is particularly advantageous, for example, in producing components requiring complex and / or precise features. Furthermore, additive manufacturing avoids the need for mold processing typically associated with plastic injection molding, thereby reducing upfront manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous in small-batch production. In some examples, by using material extrusion (… For example Fastener 106 may be manufactured together with first part 102 using 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.

[0070] Additive manufacturing technology prints objects in three dimensions, therefore the minimum feature size in the XY plane (horizontal resolution) is ( That isBoth horizontal and vertical resolution (Z-axis layer height) are considered in the overall printer resolution. Horizontal resolution is the minimum movement the printer's extruder can make within a layer along the X and Y axes, while vertical resolution is the minimum layer thickness produced in a single pass. Printer resolution describes layer thickness and XY resolution in dots per inch (DPI) or micrometers (µm). The diameter of the particles (3D dots) in horizontal resolution can range from approximately 50 µm to 100 µm (510 to 250 DPI). Typical layer thickness (vertical resolution) is approximately 100 µm (250 DPI), but layers can be as thin as 16 µm (1,600 DPI). Smaller particles result in higher horizontal resolution. That is The higher the level of detail produced by the printer, the better. Similarly, the smaller the layer thickness on the Z-axis, the higher the vertical resolution. That is The smoother the printed surface will be. However, printing at a higher vertical resolution will take longer to produce finer layers because the printer has to produce more layers. In some examples, the first part 102 and the fastener 106 may be formed at different resolutions or otherwise manufactured during the printing operation. For example, the fastener 106 portion may be printed at a higher resolution than the first part 102, or vice versa, depending on the specific application requirements.

[0071] In some examples, the first component 102 and the fastener 106 may be integrally printed thermoplastic material components. Although it is envisioned that the first component 102 and the fastener 106 can be formed in the same printing job ( That is (Printed during the same printing operation), but fastener 106 can be printed onto a pre-existing first component 102. For example, the first component 102 may have one or more marking structures printed on it during the first job. For example (protrusions or recesses), the one or more marking structures can be positioned and filled and / or surrounded with material during the second operation to form fastener 106.

[0072] While fastener 106 is generally described as having a head portion 106a configured to engage (e.g., via a kennel portion) with a first component 102 configured as a panel, retaining portion 106b can also be used in alternative applications. For example, retaining portion 106b can be coupled to a retainer, wiring clip, or other fastener (such as... Figure 3 The example wiring clip 300 shown in the figure.

[0073] In this embodiment, the head portion 106a of the wiring clip 300 includes a carrier portion 302 that abuts against a first component 102 (shown herein as a tube), which may represent a brake line, fuel line, cable, conduit, or other tubular or elongated structure. An opening is formed through the carrier portion 302, allowing a strap 304 to pass through it. The strap 304 surrounds a second component 110, and its free end is secured using a strap fastener 306. Suitable strap fasteners may include ratchet mechanisms, latches, snaps, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, or cable ties (e.g., cable ties).

[0074] Although this method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and equivalents can be made 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 fastener for coupling a first component to a second component having an opening, the fastener comprising: a head portion configured to couple with the first component, the head portion including a pair of locking tabs, each of the locking tabs having a sloped sidewall; an introduction portion configured for insertion through the opening; a shank extending from the introduction portion; a pushrod coupled to the shank, the pushrod having at least one chamfered edge; and a pair of resilient legs extending between the head portion and the introduction portion, the resilient legs configured to compress to a deflected state as the introduction portion is passed through the opening; wherein the at least one chamfered edge of the pushrod is configured to engage the sloped sidewall of at least one locking tab during assembly to allow the pushrod to pass between the locking tabs, and wherein the locking tabs are configured to capture the pushrod after the pushrod is passed between the pair of locking tabs, thereby securing the resilient legs in the deflected state.

2. A fastener for coupling a first component to a second component having an opening, the fastener comprising: a head portion configured to couple with the first component, the head portion including a pair of locking tabs; an introduction portion configured for insertion through the opening; a pushrod coupled to a shank extending from the introduction portion; and a pair of resilient legs extending between the head portion and the introduction portion, the resilient legs configured to compress to a deflected state as the introduction portion is passed through the opening; wherein the locking tabs are configured to capture the pushrod after insertion, thereby securing the resilient legs in the deflected state. The pushrod includes an elongate structure oriented substantially perpendicular to the shank. The pushrod includes an elongate structure having at least one chamfered edge along a length of the elongate structure, the chamfered edge configured to engage at least one of the locking tabs during assembly.

3. The fastener of claim 2, wherein, The pushrod includes an elongate structure having a pair of chamfered edges along a length of the elongate structure, the chamfered edges configured to engage at least one of the locking tabs during assembly.

4. The fastener of claim 2, wherein, Each of the locking tabs includes a sloped sidewall configured to engage the pushrod during assembly.

5. The fastener of claim 2, wherein, The locking tabs are offset relative to one another.

6. The fastener of claim 2, wherein, Each of the resilient legs includes a first segment coupled to a second segment by a hinge.

7. The fastener of claim 2, wherein, 9. A fastener for coupling a first component to a second component having an opening, the fastener comprising:

8. The fastener of claim 2, wherein, a head portion configured to couple with the first component, the head portion including a first locking feature; an introduction portion configured for insertion through the opening; a second locking feature coupled to the introduction portion; and a pair of resilient legs extending between the head portion and the introduction portion, the resilient legs configured to compress to a deflected state as the introduction portion is passed through the opening. ​ ​ a pair of resilient legs extending between the head portion and the lead-in portion, the resilient legs configured to compress to a deflected state as the lead-in portion passes through the opening; wherein the second locking feature is configured to couple with the first locking feature to secure the resilient legs in the deflected state.

10. The fastener of claim 9, wherein, The second locking feature includes a push rod.

11. The fastener of claim 10, wherein, The push rod is coupled to the lead-in portion via a handle.

12. The fastener of claim 11, wherein, The push rod includes an elongate structure oriented substantially perpendicular to the handle.

13. The fastener of claim 10, wherein, The push rod is configured to engage the opening to secure the lead-in portion relative to the second component while the resilient legs continue to compress during installation.

14. The fastener of claim 9, wherein, The first locking feature includes one or more locking tabs.

15. The fastener of claim 14, wherein, Each of the one or more locking tabs is coupled to the head portion via a support post.

16. The fastener of claim 9, wherein, The first locking feature includes a pair of locking tabs.

17. The fastener of claim 16, wherein, Each of the pair of locking tabs is offset relative to one another.

18. The fastener of claim 9, wherein, Each of the pair of resilient legs includes a first segment coupled to a second segment via a hinge.

19. The fastener of claim 18, wherein, The resilient legs are configured to press against the first component when installed to create a spring force that is maintained under compression.

20. The fastener of claim 9, wherein, The head portion is configured to couple with the first component via a doghouse feature.

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