Fastening system with damper

Abstract

A fastener assembly for coupling a first component to a second component in a vehicle is disclosed. The fastener assembly includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a cover and a concave bore ring coupled to each other and sandwiching the first component therebetween. The second assembly includes a base assembly and a male bore ring coupled to each other to sandwich the second component therebetween. The base assembly includes a damper and a locking ring having a base and a flange with an opening formed therethrough. The locking ring is mechanically engaged with the male annulus via the opening and a skirt extending from the male annulus. The damper is configured to mitigate buzz, squeak, and click (BSR) noise between the base and the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 702,799, filed October 3, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 747,462, filed January 21, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to fastener assemblies, and more specifically to fastener assemblies for securing mats to carpets in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Automotive components require fastening solutions that are both easy to manufacture and easy to assemble. These fastening methods must prioritize reliability and efficiency, especially in the demanding environment of a vehicle's interior. A common application is securing mats to carpets, which is crucial for preventing mat movement and improving safety while the vehicle is in motion. For this purpose, a practical solution is to use carpet fasteners, which provide a stable and durable connection between the mat and the carpet.

[0004] Carpet fasteners typically include a base assembly that clamps the carpet and a concave element that clamps the mat. The base assembly includes a protruding head that extends through the carpet, while the concave element is designed to interlock with the head of the base assembly, thereby securing the mat to the carpet. An example of such carpet fasteners is described in commonly owned U.S. Patent 8,402,605, which outlines a mechanism for attaching mats to carpets in automotive applications.

[0005] Despite advancements in carpet fastener design, innovative technologies are still needed to mitigate noise issues such as buzzing, squeaking, and clicking (BSR). These noises detract from the overall quality and comfort of a vehicle's interior.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a carpet fastener that can achieve a strong and efficient attachment while minimizing BSR noise, thereby improving the vehicle's interior experience. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to fasteners, the basics of which are illustrated in at least one accompanying drawing and described in connection with it, and are set forth more fully in the claims. More specifically, this disclosure relates to fasteners for securing a first component to a second component, particularly in a vehicle environment, such as securing a mat to a carpet. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein will become clear from the following description of specific examples as shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals denote like or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the working principles of the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein.

[0009] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An assembled side view and a partial assembled side view of an exemplary fastening system according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown, the fastening system using fastener assemblies to connect a first component to a second component.

[0010] Figure 1c and Figure 1d An assembled side view and a post-assembled side view of the second component assembly of the fastening system according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown respectively.

[0011] Figure 1e The second component assembly is shown along section line AA ( Figure 1d (A sectional side view of the assembled part.)

[0012] Figure 2a and 2b The top and bottom perspective views of the base components are shown respectively.

[0013] Figure 2c , 2d 2e and 2f show the first, second, third and fourth side views of the base assembly, respectively.

[0014] Figure 2g and 2h The top and bottom views of the base assembly are shown respectively.

[0015] Figure 3a and 3b The following are shown: a bottom-view perspective view of the second component assembly and a bottom-view perspective view of the assembly assembly.

[0016] Figure 3c and 3d The top and bottom views of the second component assembly are shown respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0017] References to singular items should be understood to include plural items, and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly stated or clear in the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all separable and combined combinations of clauses, sentences, words, etc., that they connect, unless otherwise stated or clear in the context. The enumeration of numerical ranges described herein is not restrictive, but rather indicates any and all values ​​falling within and / or encompassing that range, unless otherwise stated. Each individual value within that range is included in the specification as it is described individually herein. In the following description, terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “base,” “side,” “front,” and “back” should be understood as convenient expressions and should not be construed as restrictive terms. For example, although in some embodiments a first side may be adjacent to or near a second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply a specific order of these sides.

[0018] When terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are used with numerical values, they are interpreted as indicating deviations that are permissible for satisfactory operation for the desired purpose, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​provided herein are 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 wording (such as “for example,” “like,” etc.) given herein is intended only to better illustrate the disclosed examples and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Terms such as “for example” and “e.g.” provide a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating that any element not recited in the claims is essential to the implementation of the disclosed examples.

[0019] The term "and / or" means any one or more items in a list connected by "and / or". For example, "x and / or y" means any element in the ternary set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". Similarly, "x, y and / or z" means 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".

[0020] The disclosed fastener assembly provides a secure and stable attachment for a first component to a second component, such as a mat to a vehicle carpet. Various rigid, structural components of the fastener assembly can be molded from durable plastic to ensure long-term reliability, while sound-damping material can be attached to or formed on one or more surfaces adjacent to the base plate. The fastener assembly is adaptable to various carpet and mat thicknesses, and its design facilitates easy installation and removal. The increased support surface of the fastener assembly improves stability and further prevents the fastener assembly from wobbling.

[0021] In one example, a base assembly used in a fastener assembly to attach a first component in a vehicle to a second component includes a locking ring having a base and a flange, the locking ring having an opening formed therethrough, wherein the locking ring is configured to mechanically engage with a convex bore ring via the opening and a skirt extending from the convex bore ring; and a damper coupled to the base, wherein the damper is configured to reduce buzzing, squeaking, and clicking (BSR) noise between the locking ring and the vehicle.

[0022] In another example, a fastener assembly for connecting a first component in a vehicle to a second component includes: a first component having a cap and a concave bore ring configured to engage with each other to clamp the first component between them; and a second component assembly having a base component and a convex bore ring configured to engage with each other to clamp the second component between them; wherein the base component includes a damper and a locking ring having a base and a flange, the locking ring having an opening formed therethrough, wherein the locking ring is configured to mechanically engage with the convex bore ring via the opening and a skirt extending from the convex bore ring; and wherein the damper is configured to reduce buzzing, squeaking, and clicking (BSR) noise between the base and the vehicle.

[0023] In yet another example, a fastener assembly for connecting a first component in a vehicle to a second component includes: a first component having a cap and a concave bore ring configured to engage with each other to clamp the first component between them; and a second component assembly configured to engage with the concave bore ring of the first component, the second component having a base component and a convex bore ring configured to engage with each other to clamp the second component between them; wherein the base component includes a damper and a locking ring having a base and a flange, the locking ring having an opening formed therethrough, wherein the locking ring is configured to mechanically engage with the convex bore ring via the opening and a skirt extending from the convex bore ring; and wherein the damper is configured to reduce buzzing, squeaking, and clicking (BSR) noise between the base and the vehicle, and wherein the locking ring is formed of a rigid material while the damper is formed of a flexible material.

[0024] In some examples, the damper includes an annular portion connected to one or more retaining portions via at least one bridging portion.

[0025] In some examples, the annular portion is positioned on the first side of the locking ring and one or more retaining portions are positioned on the second side of the locking ring opposite the first side.

[0026] In some examples, at least one bridging portion is configured to pass through the locking ring via one or more pathways formed within the locking ring.

[0027] In some examples, the annular portion includes one or more recesses configured to receive one or more features of the base.

[0028] In some examples, the locking ring is formed of a rigid material.

[0029] In some examples, the damper is formed of a flexible material.

[0030] In some examples, the damper is overmolded onto the locking ring.

[0031] In some examples, the locking ring includes multiple retaining tabs extending into the opening.

[0032] In some examples, the retaining tab is configured to engage with a notch formed on the outer surface of the skirt.

[0033] In some examples, the flanges are kept evenly distributed around the opening.

[0034] Figure 1a and Figure 1b The figures show assembled and partially assembled side views of an exemplary fastening system 100 according to the present disclosure, configured to use a fastener assembly 108 to attach a first component 102 (e.g., a mat, such as those in a vehicle footrest) to a second component 104 (e.g., a carpet) on a vehicle floor 106. As shown, the fastener assembly 108 includes a second component 110 and a first component 112. The first component 112 engages with the second component 110 when pushed along the central axis 114 in the direction indicated by arrow 116. The second component 110 holds the first component 112 via a mechanical connection and / or interference fit. As will be discussed, the various rigid components of the fastener assembly 108 may be molded primarily from a plastic material.

[0035] The first component 112 includes a cap 118 and a concave annular ring 120, which are configured to engage with each other to clamp the first component 102 between them. For example, the cap 118 and the concave annular ring 120 are engaged with each other but sufficiently spaced at their outer edges to define an annular groove 176, which is configured to receive a portion of the first component 102 adjacent to an opening 102 formed in the first component 102. The height of the annular groove 176 may be determined by the thickness of the first component 102. In some examples, the height of the annular groove 176 may be slightly less than the thickness of the first component 102 to press and retain the first component 102.

[0036] Similarly, the second component 110 includes a base component 122 and a convex annular ring 124, which are configured to engage with each other to clamp the second component 104 between them. For example, the base component 122 and the convex annular ring 124 are engaged with each other but sufficiently spaced at their outer edges to define an annular groove 178, which is configured to receive a portion of the second component 104 adjacent to an opening 184 formed in the second component 104. The height of the annular groove 178 may be determined by the thickness of the second component 104. In some examples, the height of the annular groove 178 may be slightly less than the thickness of the second component 104 to press and retain the second component 104. One or both of the annular grooves 176, 178 may include a plurality of protrusions to insert into their respective first component 102 or second component 104. For example, the illustrated base component 122 includes a plurality of protrusions 180 that extend away from the base component 122 and into the annular groove 178. The protrusion 180 is illustrated as a pyramidal tip, but other shapes could also be considered.

[0037] Figure 1c and 1d The following are side views showing the second component 110 of the fastening system 100 after assembly and after assembly. Figure 1e The second component 110 is shown along Figure 1d The cross-sectional side view of the assembly is shown in section line AA. As shown, the second component 110 includes a base component 122, which includes a locking ring 126 and a damper 128. The damper is designed to reduce buzzing, squeaking and clicking (BSR) noise caused by the contact between the locking ring 126 and the base plate 106, thereby acting as an anti-clicking sound insulation component.

[0038] Figure 2a and 2b Top and bottom perspective views of the base component 122 are shown respectively. Figure 2c-2f First, second, third, and fourth side views of the base component 122 are given, while Figure 2g and 2h Top and bottom views of the base assembly 122 are shown. The base assembly 122 includes a locking ring 126 and a damper 128. Figures 3a-3d Additional details of the damper 128 are shown. Figure 3a and 3b The top-view perspective and the bottom-view perspective of the assembled second component 110 are shown respectively. Figure 3c and 3d The top and bottom views of the second component 110 after the damper 128 has been removed are shown.

[0039] In practice, the damper 128 is integrally formed (i.e., permanently attached) with the locking ring 126 and is located on or near the base 130 of the locking ring 126; however, for ease of illustration, the damper 128 is shown separately in some figures to better illustrate its features and shape. Therefore, although the damper 128 is illustrated as a separate, independent component for illustrative purposes, it is contemplated that the damper 128 will be integrally formed with the locking ring 126 as a single, multi-material component via an overmolding or two-material molding process. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as requiring the damper 128 to be manufactured separately and then applied to the locking ring 126; however, such a manufacturing process is feasible when necessary.

[0040] The first component 112 includes a concave annular ring 120 and a cap 118. The concave annular ring 120 includes a flat annular flange 132 having a central circular hole 134 surrounded by a neck ring 136. The neck ring 136 has a recess or thread on the outside and is smooth on the inside. The cap 118 includes a component flange 138 having a dome-shaped center and a neck ring 140 that mates with the neck ring 136 to allow interlocking. The flange 132 and the component flange 138 together clamp the first component 102 at an opening 142 formed within the first component 102.

[0041] The second component 110 includes a convex ring 124 and a base component 122. The convex ring 124 includes a flat flange 144, a mushroom-shaped head 146, and a skirt 148. The head 146 includes a cylindrical base 150 and a cap 152, with an annular groove 154 formed between the cap 152, the base 150, and the flange 144. The skirt 148 has a smooth area 182 and a recessed portion 156 (ridge or thread) to secure the locking ring 126. The smooth area 182 generally corresponds to the thickness of the second component 104.

[0042] The locking ring 126 includes a flange 158 and a base 130. The flange 158 and base 130 are concentric with a central axis 114 and define an opening 160 passing through it, located at the center of the locking ring 126. The opening 160 is configured to receive and retain a skirt 148. The locking ring 126 also includes a plurality of retaining tabs 162 that extend toward the central axis 114 into the opening. The retaining tabs 162 are configured to engage with recesses 156 formed on the outer surface of the skirt 148 upon assembly. Figure 2g and 2h As most clearly shown, a plurality of retaining tabs 162 are formed on the inner periphery of the opening 160. The plurality of retaining tabs 162 may be evenly distributed around the opening 160.

[0043] The damper 128 reduces BSR by contacting the base plate 106 via an annular portion 164. The damper 128 includes a retaining portion 166 connected to the annular portion 164 via a bridging portion 168 that passes through one or more passages 170 of the locking ring 126. The damper 128 may be overlaid on the base 130. In one example, the damper 128 may be formed such that a second material is injected through the locking ring 126 from an end adjacent to the flange 158 via one or more passages 170 (e.g., channels, conduits, etc.) and exits from an end near the base 130. As shown, one or more passages 170 may be formed through the locking ring 126 and configured to extend between the flange 158 and the base 130. For example, each of the one or more passages 170 may be a hole formed around an opening 160.

[0044] The damper 128 may be embodied as an annular portion 164 having a plurality of retaining portions 166 connected to but spaced apart from the annular portion via one or more bridging portions 168. The annular portion 164 is a ring that includes through-holes 186. The annular portion 164 may be circular, oval, or another shape determined by the shape of the base 130 or its features. For example, in some examples, as shown, the annular portion 164 may be formed with recesses 172 and / or protrusions to accommodate and / or avoid one or more features of the base 130, such as a circular post 174. In the illustrated example, each of the one or more passages 170 is a circular hole; however, other shapes are also contemplated.

[0045] The passage 170 is configured to transfer a second material between the molding cavity of the annular portion 164 at the base 130 and the flange 158 as needed. When needed, the flange 158 can act as an inlet to the passage 170 to allow the second material to be injected from the flange side. In this example, the passage 170 can be configured to receive or otherwise engage a nozzle and receive the second material.

[0046] The damper 128 is attached to the locking ring 126 at the base 130 and via one or more passages 170. The connection between the locking ring 126 and the damper 128 shall be sufficient to prevent the damper 128 from separating from the locking ring 126 before, during, and / or after installation, assembly, and / or disassembly by the end user. As mentioned, the damper 128 may therefore be formed via molding tools and plastic injection molding processes such that the annular portion 164 is located on the base 130.

[0047] To provide adequate connection between the locking ring 126 and the damper 128, one or both of the locking ring 126 and the damper 128 may include one or more interlocking features to enhance engagement; thereby providing a higher degree of mechanical retention. For example, at least a portion of the damper 128 (e.g., bridging portion 168) may extend into or through one or more passages 170 such that a portion of the locking ring 126 is sandwiched between a retaining portion 166 and an annular portion 164 through which the bridging portion 166 extends. In this example, multiple bridging portions 168 are formed and / or defined by one or more passages 170. For example, the material of the damper 128 will be adapted to the shape of one or more channels 170, the base 130, and the die to ultimately form the base assembly 122.

[0048] The locking ring 126 (or other components of the fastener assembly 108) can be made of a variety of materials, including synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), metals (or metal alloys), or combinations thereof. Some materials are better suited for sealing rather than mechanical attachment. In some instances, the first material is typically a rigid component material, such as a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer, composite material, or a combination thereof. Thus, the locking ring 126 is made of a first material (e.g., a rigid material), while the damper 128 is made of a second material (e.g., a flexible material) that is different from the first material.

[0049] Exemplary rigid materials include, in particular, nylon (PA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polystyrene (PS), and the like. The second material may be a flexible material (e.g., flexible and / or conformable sealing materials, such as foam materials, elastomer materials (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)), rubber materials (e.g., open-cell rubber, closed-cell rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc.) and the like.

[0050] To form the base assembly 122, either the locking ring 126 or the damper 128 may be molded first to provide the desired profile, after which the other of the locking ring 126 or damper 128 may be molded. The molding order of the locking ring 126 and the damper 128 will depend on the manufacturing technology employed. For example, in a two-material (2K) plastic injection process, the locking ring 126 may be molded first, followed by the damper 128, partly due to the passage 170. An exemplary two-material injection molding process is detailed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 6,752,950, by Martin DH Clarke, entitled “Two-material injection molding method and fastener snap with seal thus produced.” In other examples, the damper 128 is overmolded onto the base 130 of the locking ring 126.

[0051] The base assembly 122 can be manufactured using a two-material injection molding process, which forms the part via a first injection and a second injection. Two-material injection molding is useful and can be used to form complex parts using multiple colors and / or multiple materials in a single molding operation. By way of illustration, two different molds can be prepared, each for each part of the base assembly 122—e.g., the locking ring 126 and the damper 128. For this purpose, a two-material injection molding machine can be equipped with multiple barrels and nozzles to accommodate different materials. The molds are mounted on the machine platen, and the injection molding machine is configured and adjusted to the specific parameters required for the part.

[0052] During the first injection, a first material, serving as a base or base material, is injected into the mold cavity using one of the machine nozzles to form a locking ring 126. The mold is then partially cooled to allow the first material to solidify. In some examples, the locking ring 126 may be kept in a slightly molten state to facilitate fusion with the second material. Once the locking ring 126 has partially cooled, the mold can be slightly opened, and the second material is injected into the mold cavity to form a damper 128. In some examples, the second material is injected into the mold cavity via a different nozzle and is configured to at least partially enter or pass through one or more channels 170 formed in the locking ring 126. After the second material is injected, the mold is fully cooled to allow both materials to solidify to form the base assembly 122. Once cooled, the mold is opened, and the base assembly 122 is expelled from the mold cavity, where any excess flash material can be scraped off.

[0053] In another example, one or more parts of the base assembly 122 (or other parts of the fastener assembly 108) may be printed thermoplastic material parts that can be printed with high precision and numerous details. Additionally, additive manufacturing eliminates the need for molds typically associated with plastic injection molding, thereby reducing upfront manufacturing costs, which is particularly advantageous for small-batch production. In some examples, parts of the base assembly 122 may be manufactured using material extrusion processes (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. For example, the locking ring 126 may be a printed thermoplastic material part subsequently overmolded together with the damper 128.

[0054] To install the second component 110, the convex perforated ring 124 is aligned with and positioned so that the skirt 148 passes through the second component 104. The locking ring 126 secures the component by maintaining the engagement of the tab 162 and the recess 156. To install the first component 112, the neck ring 140 of the cover 118 passes through the opening in the first component 102, where the flange 132 interlocks with the component flange 138. The first component 102 is secured to the second component 104 by aligning the first component 112 with the second component 110, at which point the convex perforated ring 124 interlocks with the recessed perforated ring 120, thereby ensuring stability and durability.

[0055] The patents and patent disclosures cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While the method and / or system have been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the method and / or system, and equivalent solutions can be substituted. Furthermore, numerous modifications can be made without departing from the teachings of this disclosure to bring particular situations or materials into compliance with its scope. For example, modules and / or components in the disclosed examples may be combined, split, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. In fact, the method and / or system will cover all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A base assembly for use in a fastener assembly to connect a first component in a vehicle to a second component, the base assembly comprising: A locking ring having a base and a flange, the locking ring having an opening formed therethrough, wherein the locking ring is configured to mechanically engage with the convex bore ring via the opening and a skirt extending from the convex bore ring; as well as A damper, which is connected to the base, wherein the damper is configured to reduce buzzing, squeaking and clicking (BSR) noise between the locking ring and the vehicle.

2. The base assembly of claim 1, wherein the damper includes an annular portion connected to one or more retaining portions via at least one bridging portion.

3. The base assembly of claim 2, wherein the annular portion is located on a first side of the locking ring and the one or more retaining portions are located on a second side of the locking ring opposite to the first side.

4. The base assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one bridging portion is configured to pass through the locking ring via one or more pathways formed in the locking ring.

5. The base assembly of claim 2, wherein the annular portion includes one or more recesses configured to receive one or more features of the base.

6. The base assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking ring is formed of a rigid material.

7. The base assembly of claim 6, wherein the damper is formed of a flexible material.

8. The base assembly of claim 7, wherein the damper is overmolded onto the locking ring.

9. The base assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking ring includes a plurality of retaining tabs extending into the opening.

10. The base assembly of claim 9, wherein the retaining tab is configured to engage with a notch formed on the outer surface of the skirt.

11. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the retaining flange is uniformly distributed around the opening.

12. A fastener assembly for coupling a first component in a vehicle to a second component, the fastener assembly comprising: A first component having a cap and a concave annular ring, the cap and the concave annular ring being configured to engage with each other so that the first component is sandwiched therebetween; as well as The second component has a base component and a convex annular ring, the base component and the convex annular ring being configured to be coupled to each other so that the second component is sandwiched therebetween; and The base assembly includes a damper and a locking ring, the locking ring having a base and a flange, and the locking ring having an opening formed therethrough. The locking ring is configured to mechanically engage with the convex-hole ring via the opening and a skirt extending from the convex-hole ring, and The damper is configured to reduce buzzing, squeaking, and clicking (BSR) noise between the base and the vehicle.

13. The fastener assembly of claim 12, wherein the damper includes an annular portion connected to one or more retaining portions via at least one bridging portion.

14. The fastener assembly of claim 13, wherein the annular portion is located on a first side of the locking ring and the one or more retaining portions are located on a second side of the locking ring opposite to the first side.

15. The fastener assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one bridging portion is configured to pass through the locking ring via one or more passages formed within the locking ring.

16. The fastener assembly of claim 13, wherein the annular portion includes one or more recesses configured to receive one or more features of the base.

17. The fastener assembly of claim 12, wherein the locking ring is formed of a rigid material and the damper is formed of a flexible material.

18. The fastener assembly of claim 17, wherein the damper is overmolded onto the locking ring.

19. A fastener assembly for coupling a first component in a vehicle to a second component, the fastener assembly comprising: A first component having a cap and a convex annular ring, the cap and the convex annular ring being coupled to each other to clamp the first component therebetween; as well as A second component, configured to engage with a concave annular ring of the first component, the second component having a base component and a convex annular ring, the base component and the convex annular ring being configured to engage with each other so that the second component is sandwiched therebetween; The base assembly includes a damper and a locking ring, the locking ring having a base and a flange, and the locking ring having an opening formed therethrough. The locking ring is configured to mechanically engage with the convex-hole ring via the opening and a skirt extending from the convex-hole ring. The damper is configured to reduce buzzing, squeaking, and clicking (BSR) noise between the base and the vehicle, and The locking ring is formed of a rigid material, while the damper is formed of a flexible material.

20. The fastener assembly of claim 19, wherein the damper includes an annular portion located on a first side of the locking ring, and one or more retaining portions are located on a second side of the locking ring opposite to the first side, and wherein the at least one bridging portion is configured to pass through the locking ring via one or more passages formed within the locking ring.

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