SEALED FASTENING ELEMENT ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Described is a sealed fastening assembly for attaching a first component to a second component by means of a push-fit fastener with a head and a shank. The sealed fastening assembly includes a gasket and a retaining clip. The gasket has a generally flat surface and a sealing opening. The retaining clip has a body section comprising a first plate elastically connected via a clip sidewall to a second plate to define a channel. The second plate has a recessed sealing pocket designed to receive at least one section of the gasket. The retaining clip is designed to receive at least one section of the first component via the channel.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Automotive components require fastening techniques that are easy to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the fastening techniques should, above all, be reliable and efficient. In some cases, it is advantageous to limit the compression exerted on a component.

[0002] In some cases, compression limiters may be used when an application involves a more delicate material that must withstand compression loading, such as plastic. The compression limiter reinforces the assembly and absorbs the stress applied when tightening a fastener within the assembly. When a compression limiter is used, the integrity of the material is not compromised by the added pressure. In many fastening systems, maintaining a tight seal between components is critical to prevent leakage, contamination, or fastener loosening.

[0003] Existing solutions are overly complex, increasing costs, the number of required components, and the complexity and time required for assembly. Therefore, despite advances to date, it would be highly desirable to have a compression-limiting fastener with improved properties designed to limit the amount of compression on one or more components, such as vehicle components. The disclosed fastening system introduces a seal that not only ensures a secure fit but also improves the sealing properties during fastener assembly. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a fastening system for forming a connection between two components, for example, vehicle components, using a sealed fastener assembly, as substantially illustrated and described by at least one of the figures, as more particularly set forth in the claims. DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will become apparent from the following description of specific examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein like or similar reference numerals refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Fig. 1a illustrates a side assembly elevation of the fastening system according to a first aspect of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 1b illustrates an isometric assembly view of the fastening system of Fig. 1a, wherein the first and second components are omitted for illustrative purposes, while Fig. 1c illustrates an isometric view thereof in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 1d illustrates a side elevation of the fastening system of Fig. 1a in cross section along the section line AA ( Fig. 1c). Fig. Figure 1e illustrates an isometric assembly view of the sealed fastener assembly. Fig. Figure 1f illustrates a side elevation view of the sealed fastener assembly. Fig. Figure 1g illustrates a top view of the sealed fastener assembly in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 1h illustrates a view of the bottom of the sealed fastener assembly in the assembled state. Fig. 2a illustrates a side assembly elevation of the fastening system according to a second aspect of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 2b illustrates an isometric assembly view of the fastening system of Fig. 2a, wherein the first and second components are omitted for illustrative purposes, while Fig. 2c illustrates an isometric view thereof in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 2d illustrates a side elevation of the fastening system of Fig. 2a in cross section along the section line BB ( Fig. 2c). Fig. Figure 2e illustrates an isometric assembly view of the sealed fastener assembly. Fig. Figure 2f illustrates a side elevation view of the sealed fastener assembly. Fig. Figure 2g illustrates a top view of the sealed fastener assembly in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 2h illustrates a view of the bottom of the sealed fastener assembly in the assembled state. Fig. 3a illustrates a side assembly elevation of the fastening system according to a third aspect of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 3b illustrates an isometric assembly view of the fastening system of Fig. 3a, wherein the first and second components are omitted for illustrative purposes, while Fig. 3c illustrates an isometric view thereof in the assembled state. Fig. 3d illustrates a side elevation of the fastening system of Fig. 3a in cross section along the section line CC ( Fig. 3c). Fig. Figure 3e illustrates an isometric assembly view of the sealed fastener assembly. Fig. Figure 3f illustrates a side elevation view of the sealed fastener assembly. Fig. Figure 3g illustrates a top view of the sealed fastener assembly in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 3h illustrates a view of the bottom of the sealed fastener assembly in the assembled state. DESCRIPTION

[0006] References to singular elements should be understood to include plural elements and vice versa, unless expressly stated otherwise or evident from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of connected clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or evident from the context. Mention of value ranges herein is not intended to be limiting and instead refers individually to all values ​​falling within and / or including the range, unless otherwise stated herein, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if individually mentioned herein.In the following description, it is understood that terms such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "side," "front," "back," and the like are used for convenience only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, while in some examples a first page is adjacent or proximate to a second page, the terms "first page" and "second page" do not imply any particular order in which the pages are arranged.

[0007] When the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," or the like are used in connection with a numerical value, they are to be understood as indicating a deviation that a person of ordinary skill in the art may consider satisfactory for the intended purpose. Ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​are provided herein as examples only and do not constitute limitations on the scope of the disclosure. The use of any examples or exemplary phrases ("e.g.," "such as," or the like) provided herein are merely intended to better illustrate the disclosed examples and do not constitute limitations on the scope of the disclosure. The terms "e.g.," "for example," and "for example" precede enumerations of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.No language in the patent specification should be construed to identify any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0008] The term "and / or" means one or more of the elements in the list connected by "and / or." As an example, "x and / or y" means 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" 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."

[0009] Conventional nut solutions often involve separately cold-headed parts assembled with a secondary seal, while bolt solutions utilize profiles for both compression limitation and sealing. However, these designs encounter challenges in tight packaging conditions, especially when customers require direct contact between components. The present disclosure presents novel solutions that address these limitations.

[0010] Disclosed is a sealed fastener assembly for attaching a first component to a second component using a push-in fastener. The sealed fastener assembly is configured to form a seal and / or limit compression on the first component and / or the second component, thus preventing deformation of plastic substrates and fluid ingress. The nut solution features flexible spring flanges that retain the clip in the mating plate, allowing for easy insertion. The design also provides compression limitation to prevent substrate deformation and incorporates a recessed, circular feature for attaching a sealing membrane. Furthermore, the fastener assembly offers the flexibility of placing the seal either on top of the nut or under the bolt head, thereby increasing water resistance.

[0011] In some examples, the bolt retainer solution incorporates a short-drawn sleeve with retainers (e.g., recesses) to secure the bolt during handling, along with a sealing membrane to prevent water ingress. Flanges can be used to prevent bolt rotation during nut assembly, while anti-rotation can be facilitated by recessed cavities that allow for tighter packaging.

[0012] Advantages of the present disclosure include weight savings through the replacement of cold-headed parts with lighter spring steel, improved sealing performance through a more robustly applied diaphragm, optimized packaging conditions, and flexibility in accommodating different bolt sizes. Furthermore, these solutions ensure a more secure retention of seals on metal components during shipping and handling, providing a more cost-effective and reliable alternative to existing market solutions.

[0013] In one example, a sealed fastener assembly for attaching a first component to a second component using a male fastener having a head and a shank comprises: a seal having a generally planar surface and a seal opening; and a retainer clip having a body portion including a first plate resiliently connected to a second plate via a clip sidewall to define a channel, the second plate having a recessed seal pocket configured to receive at least a portion of the seal, and the retainer clip being configured to receive at least a portion of the first component via the channel.

[0014] In another example, a retaining clip for attaching a first component to a second component using a male fastener having a head and a shank comprises: a first plate having a recessed fastener pocket with a first opening formed therein, the recessed fastener pocket configured to receive the head of the male fastener and mitigate rotation of the head;and a second plate having a recessed sealing pocket with a second opening formed therein, the second plate being resiliently connected to the first plate via a clip sidewall to define a channel, the recessed sealing pocket being configured to receive at least a portion of the seal, the retaining clip being configured to receive at least a portion of the first component via the channel, and the recessed fastener pocket and the recessed sealing pocket being configured to cooperate with each other to maintain a spacing between the first plate and the second plate;

[0015] In yet another example, a retaining clip for attaching a first component to a second component using a male fastener having a head and a stem comprises: a first plate having a collar with an internally threaded bore configured to threadably engage the stem; and a second plate having a recessed sealing pocket with a second opening formed therein, the second plate being resiliently connected to the first plate via a clip sidewall to define a channel, the recessed sealing pocket configured to receive at least a portion of a seal, the retaining clip being configured to receive at least a portion of the first component via the channel. The collar may be configured to maintain a spacing between the first plate and the second plate.

[0016] In some examples, the first plate has a recessed fastener pocket with a first opening formed therein.

[0017] In some examples, the recessed fastener pocket is configured to receive the head of the male fastener and mitigate rotation of the head.

[0018] In some examples, the recessed sealing pocket defines a second opening aligned with the first opening to define a fastener hole configured to receive at least a portion of the stem.

[0019] In some examples, the recessed fastener pocket and the recessed seal pocket are configured to cooperate with each other to maintain a spacing between the first panel and the second panel.

[0020] In some examples, the recessed sealing pocket is configured to extend from the second plate toward the first plate.

[0021] In some examples, the recessed sealing pocket defines a circular perimeter.

[0022] In some examples, the generally flat surface of the seal includes one or more O-rings configured to compress or deform during assembly.

[0023] In some examples, the sealing opening is concentric with the one or more O-rings.

[0024] In some examples, the seal defines a second generally planar surface opposite the generally planar surface.

[0025] In some examples, the second generally flat surface includes one or more annuli.

[0026] In some examples, the seal defines an annular portion defining the generally planar surface and a collar portion extending perpendicularly from the annular portion.

[0027] In some examples, the first plate defines a set of planar wings that are generally parallel to the first plate and offset from the first plate by a distance.

[0028] In some examples, the first plate includes a collar with an internally threaded bore configured for threaded engagement with the shaft.

[0029] In some examples, the retaining clip is a stamped metal component.

[0030] In some examples, at least one of the first or second plates defines one or more retention tabs configured to retain the male fastener as part-in-assembly (PIA).

[0031] Fig. 1a illustrates a side assembly elevation of the fastening system 100 according to a first aspect of this disclosure. Fig. 1b illustrates an isometric assembly view of the fastening system 100 of Fig. 1a, wherein the first component 104 and the second component 106 are omitted for illustration purposes, while Fig. 1c illustrates an isometric view thereof in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 1d illustrates a side elevation of the fastening system 100 of Fig. 1a in cross section along the section line AA ( Fig. 1c). Fig. Figure 1e illustrates an isometric assembly view of the sealed fastener assembly 102. Fig. Figure 1f illustrates a side assembly elevation of the sealed fastener assembly 102. Fig. Figure 1g illustrates a top view of the sealed fastener assembly 102 in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 1h illustrates a bottom view of the sealed fastener assembly 102 in the assembled state. Although a single retainer 110 and fastener 108 are shown in the figures, a plurality of retainers 110 and fasteners 108 may be used to secure a single first component 104 to a single second component 106. For example, four fasteners 108 may be used at spaced-apart locations along a portion of the first component 104 and the second component 106. It is contemplated that the fasteners 108 may be arranged symmetrically (e.g., at each corner of the first component 104) or in an asymmetric or staggered configuration.

[0032] The illustrated fastening system 100 includes the first component 104, the second component 106, and a sealed fastener assembly 102. The sealed fastener assembly 102 is configured to interconnect the first component 104 and the second component 106 while limiting compression to at least one of the first component 104 and the second component 106. In this example, the sealed fastener assembly 102 is a multi-component assembly comprised of a retainer 110 and a seal 138.

[0033] To facilitate attachment via the sealed fastener assembly 102, each of the first component 104 and the second component 106 may include one or more engagement features. For example, the first component 104 is illustrated as having a first opening 114 formed therein, and the second component 106 is illustrated as having a second opening 120 formed therein. The first opening 114 and the second opening 120 may be formed in the respective first component 104 or second component 106 during manufacturing or added after manufacturing by a mechanical process (e.g., drilling, cutting, notching, etc.). After the first component 104 and the second component 106 are assembled, the second component 106 is at least partially covered by the first component 104.

[0034] In the example of Fig. 1a through 1h, the sealed fastener assembly 102 is configured to engage a male fastener 108 (e.g., an externally threaded shank, such as a bolt) by means of a female fastener 112 (e.g., an internally threaded component, such as a nut or threaded collar). As illustrated, the male fastener 108 includes a head 108a and a shank 108b. In the illustrated example, the head 108a is hexagonal-shaped, and the shank 108b defines a threaded portion 108d and an unthreaded portion 108c adjacent the head 108a (e.g., the handle).In this example, the retainer 110 serves to mechanically engage and couple the first component 104 via the first opening 114, while the male fastener 108 and the female fastener 112 serve to couple the first component (via the retainer 110) to the second component 106 (via its second opening 120). As illustrated, the retainer 110 prevents and / or mitigates compression of the first component 104 via a recessed fastener pocket 126 formed in the retainer 110. As will be explained, although the example of the . Fig. 1a to 1h describe a sealed fastener assembly 102 configured to engage a first opening 114 in the first component 104 by means of a retainer 110, other configurations are also contemplated, such as the use of a doghouse structure on one of the first component 104 or the second component 106.

[0035] It is contemplated that certain components of the sealed multi-component fastener assembly 102 may be manufactured as stamped metal components using a metal stamping technique. For example, the retainer 110 may be fabricated from a single sheet of metal and stamped / bent using a metal stamping technique, while the male fastener 108 and the female fastener 112 may be fabricated from metal using one or more metal forming techniques, such as cold forging. In another example, the retainer 110 may be fabricated as a single stamped metal component, while the male fastener 108 and the female fastener 112 may be fabricated from a plastic material using a plastic injection technique, additive manufacturing, or otherwise.In some examples, one or more components of the sealed fastener assembly 102 may be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g., fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and / or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing / 3D printing process).

[0036] The first component 104 and the second component 106 may be automotive panels or other automotive parts. Depending on the application, one or both components may be made from materials such as metal (or metal alloys), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composites (e.g., fiberglass), or a combination thereof. In the automotive industry, these components may include, but are not limited to, spoilers, door panels, moldings, trim strips, interior or exterior surfaces, structural parts (e.g., doors, pillars such as A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars), instrument panel components (e.g., cross members, brackets, frames), seat frames, center consoles, fenders, and sheet metal frames. The specific material used varies depending on the application and could include metal, synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers, composites, or combinations of these materials.As in . Fig. 1a, during installation, the retainer 110 is slid into the first opening 114 of the first component 104, as indicated by arrow 116. The first opening 114 is sized and configured to receive and retain the retainer 110. In the illustrated example, a portion of the first component 104 is clamped between the plates of the retainer 110 (e.g., along at least a portion of its perimeter) such that a fastener hole formed in the retainer 110 is aligned with a second opening 120 formed in the second component 106.

[0037] After the retainer 110 is installed, one end of the male fastener 108 is passed through a fastener hole 136 formed in the retainer 110 and the second opening 120, as indicated by arrow 118, to ultimately engage the female fastener 112. The male fastener 108 and / or the female fastener 112 can be rotated relative to each other about their rotational axis 124 to connect and compress the first component 104 and the second component 106 relative to each other. The sealed fastener assembly 102 includes the gasket 138 to reduce the ingress of dust, dirt, and / or moisture through the second opening 120.

[0038] The seal 138 may be configured as a ring structure with a sealing opening 142 at its center. The seal 138 may be made from various materials depending on the application requirements. For example, it may be made from foam, thermoplastic, and / or rubber for lightweight applications that are durable while maintaining flexibility and resilience. The seal 138 is configured to receive the male fastener through the sealing opening 142 during assembly. The seal 138 surrounds a portion of the male fastener, such as the unthreaded portion 108c of the shank 108b, which is disposed adjacent the fastener head 108a. This arrangement positions the seal 138 between the first component 104 and the retainer 110, ensuring a secure and tight seal.The seal 138 includes one or more O-rings 140 formed on a generally flat surface of the seal 138. In the illustrated example, the seal 138 has three O-rings 140 protruding from the generally flat surface and concentric with each other and with the seal opening 142.

[0039] The O-rings 140 may be formed on either side of the seal 138 (e.g., on opposing, generally flat surfaces of the seal 138). These O-rings 140 are configured to compress and deform as the sealed fastener assembly is completed, thereby improving the sealing performance between the first component 104 and the retainer 110. This design ensures that the seal 138 provides both a mechanical and environmental seal, thereby improving the overall integrity and reliability of the fastening system.

[0040] The illustrated retainer 110 includes a body portion 122 formed with a pair of generally parallel plates, illustrated as a first plate 122a and a second plate 122b, which are resiliently connected together via a clip sidewall 122c to form a generally U-shaped body (e.g., a spring clip) with a channel 134 therebetween (e.g., a U-shaped channel). The first plate 122a and the second plate 122b are resiliently connected together such that the pair of opposing first and second plates 122a, 122b spring back (e.g., rebound) to a predetermined shape. As best shown in the Fig. 2b and Fig. For example, as illustrated in Figure 2c, the body portion 122 has a side profile that is generally U-shaped. In this example, the channel 134 is sized to slide onto and receive at least a portion of the first component 104 (e.g., the perimeter of the first opening 114). To this end, a first distance (D1) between the pair of opposing first and second plates 122a, 122b generally corresponds to the thickness of the first component 104.

[0041] The sealed fastener assembly 102 further includes one or more features for limiting the compression applied to the first component 104 and / or the second component 106, thereby reducing the risk of damage to a component during tightening of the male fastener 108 and / or the female fastener 112. In this example, the sealed fastener assembly 102 is a single-sided compression limiter, which can be used when only one of the components (e.g., the first component 104) is formed from a material that can be damaged upon compression (e.g., plastic), while the other component (e.g., the second component 106) can be formed from a material that is less susceptible to damage (e.g., metal).In this example, the one or more compression limiting features include a recessed fastener pocket 126 and a recessed seal pocket 144. The recessed fastener pocket 126 and the recessed seal pocket 144 are configured to slidably engage and receive a portion of the male fastener 108 (e.g., the head 108a and the unthreaded portion 108c of the shank 108b), thereby limiting the compression exerted by the male fastener 108 and / or the female fastener 112 on the first component 104.For example, when tightening the male fastener 108, the unthreaded portion 108c and the head 108a of the male fastener 108 may contact the recessed fastener pocket 126, while the recessed seal pocket 144 prevents compression of the seal 138, which would otherwise impair its sealing ability.

[0042] The illustrated first plate 122a includes or otherwise defines the recessed fastener pocket 126. The recessed fastener pocket 126 is shaped to conform to the shape of the head 108a. In the illustrated example, the male fastener 108 is a threaded stud having a hex head 108a, and the recessed fastener pocket 126 has a corresponding hex perimeter. When assembled, the head 108a is located within the recessed fastener pocket 126 and is prevented from rotating about its rotational axis 124 by the sidewalls of the recessed fastener pocket 126. The illustrated second plate 122b includes or otherwise defines the recessed seal pocket 144. The recessed seal pocket 144 is shaped to conform to the shape of the seal 138.In the illustrated example, the seal 138 is annular, and the recessed sealing pocket 144 has a corresponding circular perimeter. When assembled, the seal 138 is at least partially located within the recessed sealing pocket 144. The recessed fastener pocket 126 and the recessed sealing pocket 144 each include an opening (e.g., a first opening 136a and a second opening 136b) that are (at least partially) aligned to collectively define a fastener hole 136 therein (e.g., at the bottom or base of each of the recessed fastener pocket 126 and the recessed sealing pocket 144). In some examples, the body portion 122 may further include retention tabs (e.g., barbs or teeth). For example, the one or more retaining tabs may pinch, scrape, claw, or otherwise grip the first component 104 to prevent the holder 110 from slipping.Each retaining tab may be punched and / or stamped and bent into shape from the material of the body portion 122.

[0043] As in Fig. 1a, the combined depth of the recessed fastener pocket 126 and the recessed sealing pocket 144 (e.g., the height of the respective sidewalls) is substantially equal to the first distance (D1) between the pair of opposing first and second plates 122a, 122b, such that an outer portion of the bottom of the recessed fastener pocket 126 and the recessed sealing pocket 144 contact and / or rest upon each other during assembly. The recessed fastener pocket 126 and the recessed sealing pocket 144 therefore serve as compression limiters for the first component 104. That is, even if the male fastener 108 is excessively compressed (e.g.,tightened), the recessed fastener pocket 126 and the recessed seal pocket 144 maintain (or otherwise preserve) the first spacing (D1) and prevent the pair of opposing first and second plates 122a, 122b from compressing, which could potentially crush the portion of the first component 104 disposed within the channel 134.

[0044] In some examples, such as the one in the Fig. 2a through 2e, the body portion 122 may further include one or more retention tabs 202 configured to retain the male fastener 108 within the recessed fastener pocket 126 prior to assembly, so that the retainer 110 and the male fastener 108 may be packaged as part of an assembly (PIA). This configuration reduces the time and labor required for assembly by the end user. The recessed fastener pocket 126 may secure the retainer 110 to the first component 104 via engagement with the first opening 114.

[0045] The female fastener 112 may include a head 130, a flange 128, and an internally threaded bore 132 configured to engage the shank 108b. The head 130 may be hexagonal to facilitate tool engagement, while the flange 128 serves to increase the contact area between the head 130 and the second component 106. Fig. 1a illustrates the female fastener 112 in the form of a one-piece flange nut, but in other examples, the female fastener 112 may also be a multi-component piece.

[0046] The sealed fastener assembly 102 may also include noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) mitigation features, including the seal 138. These features may include various noise dampening, vibration absorbing, and isolating elements known in the art, including grommets, washers, gaskets, vibration-damping materials (e.g., viscoelastic or rubber-like materials), coatings (e.g., viscoelastic polymer coatings), adhesives, and dampers. These NVH management features may be incorporated into the sealed fastener assembly to enhance its ability to absorb and reduce noise, vibration, and harshness of the finished assembly.

[0047] Fig. 2a illustrates a side assembly elevation of the fastening system 100 according to a second aspect of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 2b illustrates an isometric assembly view of the fastening system 100 of Fig. 2a, wherein the first component 104 and the second component 106 are omitted for illustration purposes, while Fig. 2c illustrates an isometric view thereof in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 2d illustrates a side elevation of the fastening system 100 of Fig. 2a in cross section along the section line BB ( Fig. 2c). Fig. Figure 2e illustrates an isometric assembly view of the sealed fastener assembly 102. Fig. Figure 2f illustrates a side assembly elevation of the sealed fastener assembly 102. Fig. Figure 2g illustrates a top view of the sealed fastener assembly 102 in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 2h illustrates a view of the underside of the sealed fastener assembly 102 in the assembled state. As with the previous example, the retainer 110 is secured during installation, as best shown in Fig. 2a, is pushed into the first opening 114 of the first component 104, as indicated by arrow 116.

[0048] The Fig. The sealed fastener assembly 102 shown in Figures 2a to 2h is similar to that shown in Figures Fig. 1a to 1h, with some differences. To avoid redundancies, features and components already described with reference to the previous example are not repeated here. Instead, the focus is on the new or changed aspects. As in Fig. As best illustrated in Figure 2a, the recessed fastener pocket 126 maintains the second distance (D2) between the first component 104 and the recessed seal pocket 144, thereby limiting the compression applied to the first component 104. In this example, the second distance (D2) generally corresponds to the thickness of the second component 106.

[0049] In this example, as best seen in Fig. 2e, the first plate 122a is configured on two sides (e.g., on two opposite sides of the second plate 122b, adjacent the bracket sidewall 122c) to define a set of planar wings 122d. Each of the planar wings 122d is generally parallel to the first plate 122a and is offset relative to the first plate 122a by a distance. In the illustrated example, the first plate 122a is offset relative to the set of planar wings 122d by one wing sidewall 122e. As illustrated, the wing sidewall 122e is generally perpendicular to both the first plate 122a and the planar wings 122d. In the illustrated example, the height of the wing sidewall 122e generally corresponds to the thickness of the second component 106 (or a portion thereof, such as a kennel feature).

[0050] The Fig. 2a to 2h includes a pair of retaining tabs 202 configured to engage the unthreaded portion 108c of the shaft 108b. As shown in Fig. 2b and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2e, these retaining tabs 202 extend into an opening formed in the recessed sealing pocket 144 and align with the unthreaded portion 108c of the shaft 108b during assembly. Each retaining tab 202 is elastically coupled to the second plate 122b and formed in a Y-shape.

[0051] Fig. 3a illustrates a side assembly elevation of the fastening system 100 according to a third aspect of this disclosure. Fig. 3b illustrates an isometric assembly view of the fastening system 100 of Fig. 3a, wherein the first component 104 and the second component 106 are omitted for illustration purposes, while Fig. 3c illustrates an isometric view thereof in the assembled state. Fig. 3d illustrates a side elevation of the fastening system 100 of Fig. 3a in cross section along the section line CC ( Fig. 3c). Fig. Figure 3e illustrates an isometric assembly view of the sealed fastener assembly 102. Fig. Figure 3f illustrates a side assembly elevation of the sealed fastener assembly 102. Fig. Figure 3g illustrates a top view of the sealed fastener assembly 102 in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 3h illustrates a bottom view of the sealed fastener assembly 102 in the assembled state.

[0052] The Fig. The sealed fastener assembly 102 shown in Figures 3a to 3h is similar to that shown in Figures Fig. 1a to 1h and Fig. 2a to 2h, with some differences. To avoid redundancy, features and components already described with reference to the previous example are not repeated here. Instead, the focus is on the new or modified aspects.

[0053] In this example, the first component 104 is shown with an opening 114 formed therein, while the second component 106 has a kennel structure 302 formed therein or thereon. The kennel structure 302 defines a slot 304 with one or more engagement features 306. This structure enables the first component 104 to be compatible with a variety of fasteners, including the sealed fastener assembly 102. The opening 114 and / or the kennel structure 302 may be machined into the first component 104 and / or the second component 106 during the manufacturing process or added after manufacturing using mechanical methods (e.g., drilling, cutting, carving), adhesives, or other methods.

[0054] The need for a separate female fastener 112 is eliminated by incorporating a collar 308 into the holder 110, which includes an internally threaded bore 132. In this example, the collar 308 is machined into the first plate 122a and extends toward the second plate 122b, effectively replacing the recessed fastener pocket 126. As shown in Fig. 1a, the collar 308 is designed to receive and engage the threaded portion 108d of the shaft 108b. In addition, the collar 308 acts as shown in Fig. 3d, as a compression limiter. The collar 308 is sized such that its height (i.e., shown as the third distance (D3)) is substantially equal to the combined thickness of the engagement features 306 and the base of the recessed sealing pocket 144 (i.e., the material thickness of the recessed sealing pocket 144). The collar 308 is configured to partially enter the opening 114.

[0055] In this example, the seal 138 includes an annular portion 138a and a collar portion 138b extending perpendicularly from the annular portion 138a. One or more O-rings 140 are formed on one side of the seal 138 (e.g., on the side facing the first component 104), while the collar portion 138b is disposed on the opposite side of the seal 138. The annular portion 138a and the collar portion 138b are formed as a unitary structure. The collar 308 is configured to partially enter the opening 114, creating an annular gap 310 between the collar 308 and the opening 114. As shown in Fig. 3d, the collar 308 extends through the annular gap 310 and forms a seal between the collar 308 and the opening 114.

[0056] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to particular implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, split, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system are not limited to the particular implementations disclosed.Rather, the present method and / or system includes all implementations that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents. ATTACHMENT

[0057] Embodiments of the invention include the sealed fastener assembly having one of the following features: wherein the recessed fastener pocket is configured to receive the head of the male fastener and mitigate rotation of the head. wherein the recessed sealing pocket is configured to extend from the second plate toward the first plate. wherein the recessed sealing pocket defines a circular circumference. wherein the generally planar surface of the seal includes one or more O-rings configured to be compressed or deformed during assembly. wherein the sealing opening is concentric with the one or more O-rings. wherein the seal defines a second generally planar surface opposite the generally planar surface. wherein the second generally planar surface comprises one or more O-rings.

[0058] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention includes a retaining clip for attaching a first component to a second component using a male fastener having a head and a shank, the retaining clip comprising: a first plate having a recessed fastener pocket with a first opening formed therein, the recessed fastener pocket configured to receive the head of the male fastener and to mitigate rotation of the head;and a second plate having a recessed sealing pocket with a second opening formed therein, the second plate being resiliently connected to the first plate via a clip sidewall to define a channel, the recessed sealing pocket being configured to receive at least a portion of a seal, the retaining clip being configured to receive at least a portion of the first component via the channel, and the recessed mounting pocket and the recessed sealing pocket being configured to cooperate with each other to maintain a spacing between the first plate and the second plate; In the retaining clip, at least one of the first plate or the second plate defines one or more retaining tabs configured to retain the male fastener as part of the assembly (PIA). In an alternative embodiment, the present invention includes a retaining clip for securing a first component to a second component by means of a male fastener having a head and a shank, the retaining clip comprising: a first plate having a collar with an internally threaded bore configured to threadably engage the shank; and a second plate having a recessed sealing pocket with a second opening formed therein, the second plate being resiliently connected to the first plate via a clip sidewall to define a channel, the recessed sealing pocket configured to receive at least a portion of a seal, the retaining clip being configured to receive at least a portion of the first component via the channel. In the alternative retaining clip, the collar is designed to maintain a distance between the first plate and the second plate.

Claims

[1] A sealed fastener assembly for attaching a first component to a second component by means of a male fastener having a head and a shank, the sealed fastener assembly comprising: a seal having a generally flat surface and a seal opening; and a retaining clip having a body portion comprising a first plate elastically connected to a second plate via a clip side wall to define a channel, wherein the second plate has a recessed sealing pocket configured to receive at least a portion of the seal, and wherein the retaining clip is configured to receive at least a portion of the first component via the channel. [2] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plate includes a recessed fastener pocket having a first opening formed therein. [3] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein the recessed fastener pocket is configured to receive the head of the male fastener and mitigate rotation of the head. [4] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein the recessed sealing pocket defines a second opening that aligns with the first opening to define a fastener hole configured to receive at least a portion of the shank. [5] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 2, wherein the recessed fastener pocket and the recessed sealing pocket are configured to cooperate with each other to maintain a spacing between the first plate and the second plate. [6] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal defines an annular portion defining the generally planar surface and a collar portion extending perpendicularly from the annular portion. [7] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plate defines a set of planar wings generally parallel to the first plate and offset relative to the first plate by a distance. [8] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plate includes a collar having an internally threaded bore configured for threaded engagement with the shank. [9] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein the retaining clip is a stamped metal component. [10] The sealed fastener assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first plate or the second plate defines one or more retention tabs configured to retain the male fastener as part-in-assembly (PIA).

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