Fastener inspection system

Abstract

A fastener verification system for determining the proper installation of a fastener to a substrate comprises a housing and a spring-pin mechanism. The housing includes a connecting section, an exposed section, and a cover. The cover is located between the connecting section and the exposed section. The cover defines a bore extending from a top to a bottom. The spring-pin mechanism comprises an outer end, a flat middle section, a hinge, and a pin. The outer end is located within the exposed section. The flat middle section is located between the outer end and the hinge. The hinge is located between the flat middle section and the pin. The pin is located within the bore of the cover. The fastener is installed properly if the pin is exposed outside the top.The installation is improper if the pin is completely inside the hole.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fastener inspection system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a fastener inspection system attached to a fastener to test the proper installation of the fastener.

[0002] Fasteners are used in various industrial sectors to attach an object to a substrate. For example, a fastener can secure a wiring harness to a section of a motor vehicle by bonding it to the substrate. When properly installed, the fastener ensures the functionality and structural integrity of the attached object. However, if the fastener is not installed correctly, the connection between the substrate and the fastener can fail.

[0003] To ensure the proper installation of the fastener, a fastener inspection system and a procedure for determining the proper installation of the fastener are therefore required. SUMMARY

[0004] A fastener verification system is provided for determining the correct installation of a fastener on a substrate, in accordance with several aspects. The fastener verification system includes a housing. The housing includes a connecting section. The connecting section has a slot dimensioned to receive the fastener. The housing further includes an exposed section opposite the connecting section. The exposed section defines a window. The housing further includes a cover located between the connecting section and the exposed section. The cover defines a bore extending from a top opening of the housing to a bottom of the housing. The fastener verification system further includes a spring-loaded pin mechanism.The spring-loaded pin mechanism comprises an outer end that is located within the window of the exposed section. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises a flat central section that is located between the outer end and a hinge. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises the hinge that is located between the flat central section and the pin. The fastener verification system is disengaged when the pin is located completely within the bore of the cover. The fastener verification system is engaged when the pin is exposed outside the top opening of the cover.

[0005] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the installation of the fastening element on the substrate generates a contact pressure from the substrate against the underside of the housing and against the hinge. The contact pressure of the substrate against the hinge presses on the hinge and causes movement of the pin within the bore.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the movement of the pin takes place in the direction of the upper opening of the cover.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the movement of the pin exposes the pin outside the upper opening of the cover.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the pressure against the hinge further comprises generating the movement of the hinge. The hinge moves towards the underside of the housing.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the exposed section of the housing further comprises a groove. The flat central section is arranged within the groove.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the cover further comprises a lower opening in the underside of the housing. The lower opening corresponds to a contour of the hinge.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the hinge is arranged in the lower opening when the fastening element verification system is engaged.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the bore of the cover fits a contour of the pin.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the underside of the case is flat.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the spring pin mechanism is made of a metal.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the outer end of the spring-pin mechanism further comprises a bulge. The bulge extends through the window of the exposed section of the housing.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener testing system further comprises attaching an electrical continuity tester to the fastener testing system. A first wire of the electrical continuity tester is attached to the pin, and a second wire of the electrical continuity tester is attached to the exposed portion of the housing.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the electrical continuity tester further comprises sending an electric current through the fastener verification system and detecting the continuity.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener verification system further includes classifying an installation of the fastener on the substrate as proper.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the fastener inspection system further comprises classifying the installation of the fastener. The installation is classified as improper if the fastener inspection system is out of action. The installation is classified as proper if the fastener inspection system is engaged.

[0020] A fastener verification system is provided for determining the correct installation of a fastener on a substrate, in accordance with several aspects. The fastener verification system includes a housing. The housing includes a connecting section that has a slot dimensioned to receive the fastener. The housing further includes an exposed section opposite the connecting section. The exposed section includes a window connected to an outer end. The exposed section further includes a groove connected to a flat central section. The housing also includes a cover located between the connecting section and the exposed section. The cover defines a bore extending from a top to a bottom of the housing. The bore conforms to the contour of a pin.The top defines an upper opening. The bottom defines a lower opening. The fastener verification system further comprises a spring-loaded pin mechanism. The spring-loaded pin mechanism comprises the outer end. The outer end has a bulge that extends through the window of the exposed section. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises the flat central section. The flat central section is connected between the outer end and a hinge. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises a pin that is located within the bore of the cover. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises the hinge that is located between the flat central section and the pin. The fastener verification system is disengaged when the pin is completely within the cover. The fastener verification system is engaged when the pin is exposed outside the upper opening of the cover.

[0021] A method for verifying the proper installation of a fastener on a substrate is provided according to several aspects. The method includes attaching a fastener verification system to a fastener. The fastener verification system comprises a housing. The housing includes a connecting section having a slot dimensioned to receive the fastener. The housing further includes an exposed section opposite the connecting section. The exposed section has a window. The housing further includes a cover located between the connecting section and the exposed section. The cover defines a bore extending from an upper opening in the top of the housing to a bottom of the housing. The fastener verification system further includes a spring-loaded pin mechanism.The spring-loaded pin mechanism comprises an outer end located within the window of the exposed section. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises a pin located within the bore of the cover. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises a flat central section located between the outer end and a hinge. The spring-loaded pin mechanism further comprises the hinge located between the flat central section and the pin. The method further comprises installing the fastener on the substrate. During installation of the fastener, pressure is exerted from the substrate against the hinge of the spring-loaded pin mechanism. By exerting pressure on the hinge, the hinge and the pin are moved. The method further comprises checking the proper installation of the fastener on the substrate.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises performing an electrical continuity test by attaching a tester to the fastener verification system. The tester comprises a first wire. The first wire is attached to the pin. The tester further comprises a second wire. The second wire is attached to the exposed portion of the housing. The tester sends an electric current through the first wire and the second wire. During the electrical continuity test, the passage of the electric current is detected. The proper installation of the fastener is thus confirmed.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises performing a visual test. The pin is visible outside the opening of the cover. The proper installation of the fastener is detected.

[0024] Further areas of application will become apparent from the present description. It is understood that the description and the specific examples serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Fig. Figure 1 is an isometric view of a fastener inspection system attached to a fastener according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is an isometric view of the fastener inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a housing of the fastening element verification system according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a spring pin mechanism of the fastener verification system according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener inspection system in a disengaged position according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener inspection system in an engaged position according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or use.

[0027] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a fastener inspection system 10 attached to a fastener 12 and a substrate 14. The fastener inspection system 10 can be attached to the fastener 12 in various ways, including by welding or adhesive. The fastener inspection system 10 detects the proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14. The fastener 12 can be a Christmas tree clip, a plastic rivet, or a snap fastener. Examples of the substrate 14 include, but are not limited to, an engine compartment, a dashboard, a door panel, a rear compartment, or a headliner. The proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14 ensures the functionality and structural integrity of the substrate 14.

[0028] The fastener 12 consists of a head 16 and a barbed section 18. The fastener inspection system 10 is attached to the fastener 12 and is located between the head 16 and the barbed section 18. In the example provided, the head 16 holds a cable harness 20 in position. However, it should be noted that the fastener 12 can be used to fasten any number of objects without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. Pressure on the head 16 presses the barbed section 18 into the substrate 14, thereby installing the fastener 12. The barbed section 18 includes flexible ribs 22. During installation, the substrate 14 exerts pressure on the flexible ribs 22, causing them to bend inward toward the fastener's central axis 24.Once the barbed section 18 is fully inserted into the substrate 14, the pressure exerted on the flexible ribs 22 decreases, causing the flexible ribs 22 to bend outwards away from the central axis 24 of the fastener and return to their original position. The fully inserted barbed section 18 creates a secure hold on the substrate 14 and prevents the fastener 12 from being easily removed from the substrate 14.

[0029] The substrate 14 defines a hole 26 on a substrate surface 28. The fastener 12 is installed by inserting the barbed section 18 into the hole in the substrate 14. The proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14 generates a pressure from the substrate surface 28 against the fastener verification system 10. The pressure against the fastener verification system 10 detects the proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14, as described below.

[0030] To detect the proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14, an electrical continuity test and / or a visual inspection can be performed. The electrical continuity test is performed by connecting a tester 29 to the fastener inspection system 10. The tester 29 comprises a first wire 30 and a second wire 31. The first wire 30 and the second wire 31 are connected to opposite ends of the fastener inspection system 10. The tester 29 sends an electric current through the first wire 30 and the second wire 31. If the tester 29 detects the continuity of the electric current, the fastener 12 is properly installed on the substrate 14. If the tester does not detect the continuity of the electric current, the fastener 12 is not properly installed on the substrate 14. The visual inspection is described in more detail below.

[0031] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the fastener verification system 10. The fastener verification system 10 detects the proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14. To detect proper installation, a visual test or an electrical test can be performed. The fastener verification system comprises a housing 32 and a spring-loaded pin mechanism 34.

[0032] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of the housing 32. The housing 32 is made of a plastic. The housing 32 comprises a connecting section 36, an exposed section 38, and a cover 40. The connecting section 36 defines a slot 42, which is dimensioned to accommodate the fastening element 12 (shown in Figure 3). Fig. 1) The exposed section 38 is opposite the connecting section 36. A window 43 and a groove 44 are arranged on the exposed section 38. The cover 40 is arranged between the connecting section 36 and the exposed section 38. The cover 40 defines an upper opening 45 in the top 46 of the housing 32 and a lower opening 47 in the bottom 48 of the housing 32. The upper opening 45 communicates with the lower opening 47 through a bore 49 in the cover 40. The groove 44 extends from the window 43 through the cover 40 to the bore 49 and the lower opening 47. The lower opening 47 is arranged within the cover 40 to accommodate a section of the spring pin mechanism 34, as described in more detail below.

[0033] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the spring-loaded pin mechanism 34. The spring-loaded pin mechanism is made of metal. The spring-loaded pin mechanism 34 comprises an outer end 54, a pin 56, and a hinge 58. The outer end 54 has a bulge 61 extending away from a flat central section 60. The pin 56 is located opposite the outer end 54. The hinge 58 is located between the flat central section 60 and the pin 56. The hinge 58 is connected to a lower edge 63 of the pin 56, creating a downward slope away from the flat central section 60 and the bottom 48 of the housing 32 (shown in Figure 4). Fig. 5), when the pin is in housing 32.

[0034] During the installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14, pressure is applied to the hinge 58. The pressure against the hinge 58 causes the downward slope to decrease, creating a flat surface with the outer end 54. The hinge 58 is connected to the pin 56, and when pressure is applied to the hinge 58, movement is generated in the pin 56.

[0035] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener inspection system 10 with the fastener 12 in a position not engaging the substrate 14. The connecting section 36 is fastened between the head 16 and the barbed section 18 of the fastener 12.

[0036] The spring-loaded pin mechanism 34 is connected to the housing 32 to form the fastener inspection system 10. The exposed section 38 of the housing 32 is connected to the outer end 54 of the spring-loaded pin mechanism 34. The bulge 61 of the outer end 54 extends through the window 43 of the exposed section 38 and connects the housing 32 to the spring-loaded pin mechanism 34. The flat central section 60 of the hinge 58 is located within the groove 44 of the housing 32. The pin 56 is located within the bore 49 of the cover 40. The hinge 58 extends from the lower opening 47 in the bottom 48 of the housing 32. The bore of the cover 40 matches the contour of the pin 56.

[0037] The fastener verification system 10 detects improper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14 by means of an electrical continuity test or a visual inspection. An improper installation is detected by both the electrical continuity test and the visual inspection when the fastener verification system 10 is disengaged. The fastener verification system 10 is disengaged when the pin 56 is concealed within the cover 40 of the housing 32.

[0038] The continuity test cannot be performed if pin 56 is hidden inside the cover 40 of the housing 32. To perform the continuity test, the first wire 30 of the tester 29 (shown in Fig. 1) attached to pin 56. If pin 56 is hidden in cover 40, the first wire 30 (shown in Fig. 1) If the pin 56 is not connected and the electrical continuity test cannot be performed, indicating improper installation of the fastener 12. Additionally, a visual test is performed to determine whether the pin 56 is visible outside the cover 40. If the pin 56 is concealed and not visible outside the cover 40, improper installation of the fastener 12 is detected.

[0039] With reference to Fig.Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener verification system 10 with the fastener 12 in a position fully engaged with the substrate 14. The fastener verification system 10 is engaged when the pin 56 is exposed outside the upper opening 45 of the cover 40. The pin 56 becomes exposed outside the upper opening 45 of the cover 40 when the hinge 58 is in contact with the substrate surface 28. This contact exerts pressure against the hinge 58, causing the hinge 58 to move upward toward the lower opening 47 of the bottom surface 48 of the housing 32. The lower opening 47 conforms to a contour of the hinge 58. The hinge 58 becomes flush with the bottom surface 48 of the housing 32 and pushes the pin 56 outward toward the upper opening 45 of the cover 40.

[0040] To detect the proper installation of the fastener 12, an electrical continuity test or a visual inspection can be performed. To perform the electrical continuity test, the first wire 30 of the tester 29 is attached to pin 56. The second wire 31 of the tester 29 is attached to the exposed section 38 of the housing 32. The tester 29 sends an electric current through the first wire 30 and the second wire 31. Proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14 is detected if the tester 29 detects the continuity of the electric current. Improper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14 is detected if the tester 29 does not detect the continuity of the electric current.

[0041] A visual test can be performed to detect the proper installation of the fastener 12 on the substrate 14. If the pin 56 is visible outside the upper opening 45 of the cover 40, proper installation is detected. If the pin 56 is completely inside the cover 40 and not visible outside the upper opening 45 of the cover 40, improper installation of the fastener 12 is detected.

[0042] The fastening element verification system 10 of this disclosure offers several advantages. For example, the fastening element verification system 10 can be easily attached to the fastening element 12. The fastening element verification system 10 can be attached to commercially available fastening elements 12. In addition, the fastening element verification system enables rapid detection of the proper installation of the fastening element 12 on the substrate 14. The proper installation of the fastening element 12 ensures the functionality and structural integrity of the substrate 14.

[0043] The description of the present revelation is merely exemplary, and variations that do not deviate from the core of the present revelation are to be considered within the scope of the present revelation. Such variations are not to be considered as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present revelation.

Claims

[1] Fastener verification system (10) for determining the proper installation of a fastener (12) on a substrate (14), wherein the fastener verification system (10) comprises: a housing (32), comprising: a connecting section (36) having a slot (42) dimensioned to accommodate the fastening element (12) therein; an exposed section (38) opposite the connecting section (36), wherein the exposed section (38) defines a window (43); and a cover (40) arranged between the connecting section (36) and the exposed section (38), wherein the cover (40) defines a bore (49) extending from an upper opening (45) of a top (46) of the housing (32) to a bottom (48) of the housing (32); a spring pin mechanism (34), comprising: an outer end (54) which is arranged within the window (43) of the exposed section (38); a pin (56) which is arranged within the bore (49) of the cover (40); a flat central section (60) arranged between the outer end (54) and a hinge (58); and the hinge (58) which is attached between the flat central section (60) and the pin (56), wherein the fastening element verification system (10) is disengaged when the pin (56) is fully positioned within the bore (49) of the cover (40), and wherein the fastening element verification system (10) is engaged when the pin (56) is exposed outside the upper opening (45) of the cover (40). [2] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the installation of the fastener (12) on the substrate (14) generates a contact pressure from the substrate (14) against the underside (48) of the housing (32) and against the hinge (58), wherein the contact pressure from the substrate (14) against the hinge (58) presses the hinge (58) and generates a movement of the pin (56) within the bore (49). [3] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the movement of the pin (56) is in the direction of the upper opening (45) of the cover (40). [4] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the movement of the pin (56) exposes the pin (56) outside the upper opening (45) of the cover (40). [5] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the pressure against the hinge (58) further comprises generating the movement of the hinge (58), wherein the hinge (58) moves towards the underside (48) of the housing (32). [6] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the exposed section (38) of the housing (32) further comprises a groove (44), wherein the flat central section (60) is arranged within the groove (44). [7] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 6, wherein the cover (40) further comprises a lower opening (47) of the underside (48) of the housing (32), wherein the lower opening (47) fits a contour of the hinge (58). [8] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 7, wherein the hinge (58) is arranged in the lower opening (47) when the fastener inspection system (10) is engaged. [9] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the bore (49) of the cover (40) fits the contour of the pin (56). [10] Fastener inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the underside (48) of the housing (32) is flat.

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