Pin and insert molded grommet for mounting components on a vehicle

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for installing a component on a vehicle. The system can include a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body. The bracket can include a plurality of insert-molded grommets and a plurality of pins. Each pin can be disposed within a respective insert-molded grommet. The combination of each pin and insert-molded grommet can be aligned with an opening in the body panel. In response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin can cause the respective insert-molded grommet to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

Description

Priority requirements

[0001] This patent application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 621,506, filed January 16, 2024, with Yongquan as the inventor, entitled “Pin and Insert Molded Gland for Mounting Components on a Vehicle,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] During vehicle assembly and manufacturing, brackets are frequently used to mount components, especially large ones, onto the vehicle for later use. For example, brackets can be attached to the body-in-white (the stage in car manufacturing where only the frame exists, before painting and other processes). These brackets allow components such as wheel liner pads, door sill plates, lights, trim pieces, and bumpers to be attached to or otherwise connected to the body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for mounting components on a vehicle may include a bracket coupled to a body panel of the vehicle body, the bracket including a plurality of insert-shaped grommets; and a plurality of pins, each pin disposed within a corresponding insert-shaped grommets. Each combination of pin and insert-shaped grommets can be aligned with an opening in the body panel, and in response to being pushed against the body panel, each pin can engage the corresponding insert-shaped grommets with the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pins may include an umbrella-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the umbrella-shaped portion may be configured to contact the insert-shaped grommets to form a watertight connection.

[0004] In some embodiments, the insert-shaped grommets may include snap-fit ​​features. In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​features may include at least one finger and at least one angular portion. In some embodiments, each finger may unfold in response to being pushed toward a body panel until the finger engages the corresponding angular portion. In some embodiments, the body panel may include at least one of a sill plate, a side body of a rear door, a side body of a rear wheel arch liner, a side body of a trunk, a side body of a taillight, or a side body of a rear bumper.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for mounting a component on a vehicle includes attaching a bracket to a body panel of the vehicle body, wherein the bracket includes a plurality of insert-shaped grommets; inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of insert-shaped grommets, wherein each pin is positioned within a corresponding insert-shaped grommets, wherein the combination of each pin and insert-shaped grommets is aligned with an opening in the body panel; and pushing the plurality of pins toward the body panel, wherein each pin causes a corresponding insert-shaped grommets to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0006] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pins may include an umbrella-shaped portion. In some embodiments, the umbrella-shaped portion may be configured to contact an insert-shaped loop to form a watertight connection. In some embodiments, the insert-shaped loop may include a snap-fit ​​feature. In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​feature may include at least one finger and at least one angular portion. In some embodiments, each finger may unfold in response to being pushed toward a body panel until the finger engages the corresponding angular portion. In some embodiments, the body panel may include at least one of a sill plate, a side body of a rear door, a side body of a rear wheel arch liner, a side body of a trunk, a side body of a taillight, or a side body of a rear bumper. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The various purposes, features and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully understood by taking into account the following detailed description of the subject matter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0008] Figures 1A to 1I A pin and insert molding grommets system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 The illustration shows a vehicle body with an example arrangement of a pin and insert-molded cable ring system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, nor do they include all the components of the system. Instead, the focus is generally on illustrating the concepts, structures, and techniques that are sought to be protected herein. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application of the claimed invention or its uses.

[0012] During the manufacturing phase, brackets typically used to facilitate connections between vehicle components and the body-in-white (BIW) suffer from various defects, such as suboptimal insertion and retention force performance, lack of waterproof sealing, and excessive weight that makes them difficult to handle. Furthermore, the pins that insert the brackets are generally pre-installed as individual components. In other words, the pins and brackets form a single unit, limiting their operability, flexibility, and reusability. Moreover, these individual components require tools for insertion and removal, which is undesirable.

[0013] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a pin and insert-molded grommets bracket system for mounting components on a vehicle, such as large plastic parts, including wheel liner, sill plates, bumpers, taillight brackets, etc. For example, the disclosed pins and insert-molded grommets can be used to assemble an outer plastic housing to a vehicle body during assembly. The bracket may include grommets formed as individual units (i.e., insert-molded grommets). After the bracket is attached to the vehicle body, pins may be inserted (but not locked) into each insert-molded grommets. The pins may be held by the grommets so that they do not move or fall out, but are not fully locked in place. Once the vehicle with the bracket and pins installed reaches a certain stage of manufacturing, the pins can be easily pushed in by a person to lock them, thereby reinforcing the connection between the bracket and the vehicle body. The insert-molded grommets may include snap-fit ​​features and are specifically configured to allow the pins to be pushed to engage the locked state of the assembly. Furthermore, the pins can then be pried and pulled out of the grommets using a screwdriver, allowing the bracket to be removed. The disclosed pin and insert molding grommet support system offers various benefits, such as improved insertion and retention force performance, watertightness, and avoidance of tooling operations.

[0014] Furthermore, the disclosed insert-molded grommet bracket system can include various snap-fit ​​features on its exterior, enabling more advantageous connection mechanisms for various components such as vehicle trim and plastic housings (e.g., door sills, wheel liner pads, etc.) and other unmachined castings. The disclosed insert-molded grommet bracket system can include multiple channels with specific configurations, tuning rib clearances, and surface-difference tuning ribs to securely receive exterior components to be attached to the vehicle. These aspects of the pins and insert-molded grommet bracket system also provide various benefits such as improved maintainability (i.e., easy removal and reusability), improved ergonomics during production, improved controllability of clearance and surface-difference tolerances between exterior trim components to maintain quality and appearance, reliable joints, reduced costs, and lighter weight.

[0015] Figures 1A to 1I A pin and insert-molded grommets system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. System 100 includes a support 101, a plurality of pins 102 (collectively referred to herein as "pins 102" or individually as "pins 102") and a plurality of insert-molded grommets 103 (collectively referred to herein as "grommets 103" or individually as "grommets 103"). In some embodiments, Figure 1A The view of system 100 shown can be seen from outside the vehicle. In other words, the visible side of bracket 101 can be opposite the body-in-white (BIW). In some embodiments, pins 102 may be made of plastic material. Furthermore, each pin may include an umbrella-shaped portion 105.

[0016] Figure 1BA side view of a system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, Figure 1B The configuration of system 100 can be referred to as the delivery state, in which bracket 101 is received by the assembly team in this configuration, wherein bracket 101 is connected to body panel 120. Figure 1B In this configuration, pin 102 is held by an insert-formed grommets 103. However, pin 102 is not engaged at this stage. Grommets 103 include pin extensions 104 that allow system 100 to engage and lock onto recesses 180. Arrows indicate the direction in which the user pushes pin 102 into grommets 103 to produce an engaged state. Figure 1C In this configuration, after pin 102 is pushed to the right a sufficient distance, bracket 101 becomes engaged or "locked". As pin 102 moves to the right, pin extensions 104 bend outward and their ends move inward toward bracket 101. Ultimately, the ends of each pin extension 104 move past a corresponding notch 180 until they are positioned below each notch 180. In other words, each pair of pin extensions 104 and notches 180 forms a snap-fit ​​feature to snap onto the body panel 120. The notches 180 prevent pin extensions 104 from moving back to the right and returning to their initial position, thus placing system 100 in the engaged position. Figure 1D An enlarged view of the engagement configuration of the pin extension 104 and the notch 180 is shown. Furthermore, there is interference between the umbrella-shaped portion 105 of the pin 102 and the grommets 103, which can provide a watertight seal between the pin 102 and the grommets 103. Figure 1E In this process, a screwdriver 106 (e.g., by the user) can be used to pry and pull the pin 102 out of the grommets 103. The leftward force applied to the pin 102 by the screwdriver 106 disengages the pin extension 104 and the notch 180, thereby allowing the pin 102 to be easily removed from the grommets 103. The entire bracket 101 can then be removed from the body panel 120.

[0017] Figure 1FThe illustration shows features of the disclosed pin and insert molding grommets 100, which can be used to achieve improved connections with various components, such as vehicle trim and plastic housings. The bracket 101 may include tuning rib gaps 107a-b, surface difference tuning ribs 108a-b, tuning rib 109, and clamp 110. Furthermore, the bracket 101 may include channels 130a-b formed on each side of a ridge 140. In some embodiments, the ridge 140 may extend along the length of the bracket 101 and may be positioned at the midpoint between the upper surface of the bracket 101 and the grommets 103 on the bottom of the bracket 101. Thus, the various components (tuning rib gaps 107a-b, surface difference tuning ribs 108a-b, tuning rib 109, and clamp 110) are positioned within the channels 130a-b, achieving a more efficient and secure connection with trim or other housings during vehicle assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, each clamp 110 may be an insert-formed clamp, meaning that clamp 110 is formed as part of ridge 140. In some embodiments, bracket 101 may include multiple segments, each segment having a specifically arranged rib, gap, and clamp. For example, as Figure 1F As shown, the bracket 101 includes a left-side configuration and a right-side configuration. Each configuration has four facet tuning ribs 108, wherein tuning rib gaps 107 are formed between each facet tuning rib 108 and the ridge 140. The tuning rib gaps are configured to receive tuning ribs from trim pieces or other components (see [reference]). Figures 1H to 1I In some embodiments, each facet tuning rib 108 is formed in one channel of the channel 130 and has another facet tuning rib 108 formed in the opposite channel, such that the two facet tuning ribs 108 are aligned with each other. Furthermore, a tuning rib 109 is formed between the two sets of facet tuning ribs 108. Additionally, an insert molding jig 110 can be positioned along the ridge 140 at the midpoint between the facet tuning ribs 108.

[0019] Figure 1G The diagram illustrates the bracket 101 connected to the BIW 190 via pin 102 (see details of the connection mechanism). Figures 1A to 1E (Description). In Figure 1G In the middle, the pin 102 has been pushed into the grommets 103, so that they are in an engaged state, as described above. Figure 1H The diagram illustrates system 100, in which, after various ornaments have been connected by bracket 101, bracket 101 is attached to BIW 190 along section A. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 1HAs shown, bracket 101 is connected to and contacts BIW 190. Furthermore, bracket 101 has been received (and thus connected to) trim pieces 111 and 112. Trim piece 111 has a tuning rib 113 that fits into a tuning rib gap 107a between the surface difference tuning rib 108a and the ridge 140. Furthermore, trim piece 112 has a tuning rib 114 that fits into a tuning rib gap 107b between the surface difference tuning rib 108b and the ridge 140. Figure 1I System 100 is shown, wherein after various trim pieces have been connected by bracket 101, bracket 101 is connected to BIW 190 along cross section B. (See diagram) Figure 1I As shown, trim 111 has a tuning rib 113 with a notch at its end. Trim 112 has a tuning rib 114 with a similar notch at its end. The notches of the tuning ribs 113 and 114 can hook onto the insert molding jig 110, which is part of the ridge 140, thereby providing a secure connection and preventing the trim from moving and keeping them in place.

[0020] Figure 2 The illustration shows a vehicle body 200 with an example arrangement of a pin and insert-shaped cable loop system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle body 200 may include a system 100a for receiving a door sill plate, a system 100b for receiving a side body to a rear door, a system 100c for receiving a side body to a rear wheel arch, a system 100d for receiving a side body to a rear bumper, a system 100e for receiving a side body to a taillight, and a system 100f for receiving a side body to a luggage compartment. Example

[0021] Some examples of this disclosure include the following:

[0022] Example 1. A system for mounting components on a vehicle, the system comprising: a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket including a plurality of insert-shaped grommets; and a plurality of pins, each pin disposed within a corresponding insert-shaped grommets; wherein each combination of pin and insert-shaped grommets is aligned with an opening in the body panel; wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes the corresponding insert-shaped grommets to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0023] Example 2 includes the system of Example 1, wherein each of the plurality of pins includes an umbrella-shaped portion.

[0024] Example 3 includes the system of Example 2, wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is configured to contact the corresponding insert-shaped grommets to form a water-tight connection.

[0025] Example 4 includes a system of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the corresponding insert-shaped grommets include snap-fit ​​features.

[0026] Example 5 includes the system of Example 4, wherein the snap-fit ​​feature includes at least one finger-shaped portion and at least one angular portion.

[0027] Example 6 includes the system of Example 5, wherein, in response to being pushed toward a body panel, each finger unfolds until at least one finger engages at least one angular portion.

[0028] Example 7 includes a system of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the body panel includes at least one of a sill plate, a rear door side body, a rear wheel arch side body, a trunk side body, a taillight side body, or a rear bumper side body.

[0029] Example 8. A method for mounting a component on a vehicle, the method comprising: attaching a bracket to a body panel of a vehicle body, wherein the bracket includes a plurality of insert-shaped loops; inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of insert-shaped loops, wherein each pin is positioned within a corresponding insert-shaped loop, wherein the combination of each pin and insert-shaped loop is aligned with an opening in the body panel; and pushing the plurality of pins toward the body panel, wherein each pin causes a corresponding insert-shaped loop to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0030] Example 9 includes the method of Example 8, wherein each of the plurality of pins includes an umbrella-shaped portion.

[0031] Example 10 includes the method of Example 9, wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is configured to contact the corresponding insert-shaped grommets to form a water-tight connection.

[0032] Example 11 includes the method of any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the corresponding insert-shaped grommets include snap-fit ​​features.

[0033] Example 12 includes the method of Example 11, wherein the snap-fit ​​feature includes at least one finger-like portion and at least one angular portion.

[0034] Example 13 includes the method of Example 12, wherein, in response to being pushed toward a body panel, each finger unfolds until at least one finger engages at least one corner portion.

[0035] Example 14 includes the method of any one of Examples 8 to 13, wherein the body panel includes at least one of a sill plate, a rear door side body, a rear wheel arch side body, a trunk side body, a taillight side body, or a rear bumper side body.

[0036] Example 15 includes a system for mounting components on a vehicle, the system comprising: a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket including a plurality of insert-shaped loops configured to receive a plurality of pins; and wherein each combination of the received pin and insert-shaped loop is aligned with an opening in the body panel; wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes a corresponding insert-shaped loop to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0037] Example 16 includes the system of Example 15, wherein each of the plurality of pins includes an umbrella-shaped portion.

[0038] Example 17 includes the system of Example 16, wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is configured to contact a corresponding insert-shaped grommets to form a water-tight connection.

[0039] Example 18 includes a system of any one of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the corresponding insert-shaped grommets include snap-fit ​​features.

[0040] Example 19 includes the system of Example 18, wherein the snap-fit ​​feature includes at least one finger-shaped portion and at least one angular portion.

[0041] Example 20 includes the system of Example 19, wherein, in response to being pushed toward a body panel, each finger unfolds until at least one finger engages at least one angular portion.

[0042] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art (one or more) that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Indeed, after reading the above description, those skilled in the art (one or more) will understand how to implement alternative embodiments. For example, additional steps may be provided from the described process, or steps may be eliminated from the described process, and other components may be added to or removed from the described system. Therefore, other implementations are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be understood that any accompanying drawings highlighting features and advantages are presented for illustrative purposes only. Each of the disclosed methods and systems is sufficiently flexible and configurable to allow them to be utilized in ways other than those shown.

[0044] Although the term "at least one" can be frequently used in the specification, claims and drawings, the terms "a," "an," "the," etc. in the specification, claims and drawings also mean "at least one" or "the at least one."

[0045] Finally, the applicant intends that claims containing only the explicit terms "apparatus for..." or "steps for..." should be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f). Claims that do not explicitly include the phrases "apparatus for..." or "steps for..." should not be interpreted in accordance with 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

1. A system for mounting components on a vehicle, the system comprising: A bracket, which is connected to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket including a plurality of insert-shaped cable loops; as well as Multiple pins, each pin being placed within a corresponding insert forming loop; Each combination of pin and insert forming grommet is aligned with an opening in the body panel; In response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes the corresponding insert forming grommets to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pins includes an umbrella-shaped portion.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is configured to contact the corresponding insert-shaped grommets to form a water-tight connection.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the corresponding insert-shaped grommets include a snap-fit ​​feature.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the snap-fit ​​feature comprises at least one finger-shaped portion and at least one angular portion.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, In response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger unfolds until the at least one finger engages the at least one angular portion.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body panel includes at least one of a door sill plate, a rear door side body, a rear wheel arch side body, a trunk side body, a taillight side body, or a rear bumper side body.

8. A method for mounting a component on a vehicle, comprising: The bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle body, wherein the bracket includes a plurality of insert-shaped cable loops; Multiple pins are inserted into the multiple insert forming loops, wherein each pin is placed in a corresponding insert forming loop, and the combination of each pin and insert forming loop is aligned with an opening in the body panel. as well as The plurality of pins are pushed toward the body panel, wherein each pin causes the corresponding insert-shaped grommets to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of pins includes an umbrella-shaped portion.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is configured to contact the corresponding insert-shaped loop to form a water-tight connection.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the corresponding insert-shaped grommets include a snap-fit ​​feature.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the snap-fit ​​feature comprises at least one finger-shaped portion and at least one angular portion.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, In response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger unfolds until the at least one finger engages the at least one angular portion.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein the body panel comprises at least one of a door sill plate, a rear door side body, a rear wheel arch side body, a trunk side body, a taillight side body, or a rear bumper side body.

15. A system for mounting components on a vehicle, comprising: A bracket, which is connected to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket including a plurality of insert-shaped grommets configured to receive a plurality of pins; as well as Each combination of the received pin and insert forming grommets is aligned with an opening in the body panel; In response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes a corresponding insert-shaped grommets to engage the bracket and lock the bracket to the body panel.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of pins includes an umbrella-shaped portion.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the umbrella-shaped portion is configured to contact the corresponding insert-shaped grommets to form a water-tight connection.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the corresponding insert-shaped grommets include a snap-fit ​​feature.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the snap-fit ​​feature comprises at least one finger-shaped portion and at least one angular portion.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, In response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger unfolds until the at least one finger engages the at least one angular portion.

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