Door module clip head

Abstract

Providing fastening device assemblies. [Solution] The fastener assembly comprises a head section having an outer contour configured to engage with a tool socket. The outer contour includes flat portions that intersect at vertex regions, at least one of which has a radius of curvature selected to define a torque threshold at which the head section slides relative to the socket. The outer contour can be hexagonal, rectangular, or triangular and may include a slot for receiving a blade-type screwdriver. The cantilevered flat portion may also be provided to bend at a predetermined torque.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 705,547, entitled "Door Module Clip Head", filed on October 10, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Automotive parts require fastening techniques that prioritize simplification of manufacturing and assembly while maintaining reliability and effectiveness. Vehicle doors, such as those of automobiles, shift between an open position and a closed position and often incorporate internal controls.

[0003] Typical vehicle doors include a main frame. In some cases, a door module is attached to the main frame and is usually fixed via one or more fasteners. This assembly not only attaches the module to the frame but also seals against the frame to prevent the ingress of moisture, which is a conventionally labor-intensive process. Instead of integrating the door module into the door structure, attaching the door module to the door structure makes the manufacturing process more efficient. The structure, usually made of metal, defines the window contour into which the module (whether metal or plastic) fits. This separation facilitates the assembler, such as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) facility, to assemble the individual components separately, thus simplifying the installation of components such as window actuators.

[0004] However, despite existing advancements, there is a need for systems and methods that can efficiently and easily secure two components, such as the door module and door structure of a motor vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates, broadly, to a system and method for efficiently facilitating the fastening of two components. More specifically, this disclosure broadly relates to a door module clip head, substantially shown and described in relation to at least one of the drawings, as is more fully described in the claims.

[0006] The above-mentioned purposes, features, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods described in this disclosure, as well as other purposes, features, and advantages, will become apparent from the following description of specific examples shown in the accompanying drawings, where similar or similar reference numerals refer to similar or similar structures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are primarily intended to illustrate the principles of the apparatus, systems, and methods described in this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1a] These are schematic diagrams illustrating the assembly of the door structure and door module, respectively.

[0008] [Figure 1b] These are schematic diagrams of the door structure and door module after assembly.

[0009] [Figure 2a] This is a top-view isometric assembly drawing of a fastening system having a fastening assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] This is an isometric top view of a fastening system having a fastening assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure after assembly. [Figure 2c] This is a top-view isometric assembly drawing of a fastening system having a fastening assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2d] This is an isometric top view of a fastening system having a fastening assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure after assembly.

[0010] [Figure 3a] This is an isometric view of a first tool used when assembling a fastening system during an example assembly process. [Figure 3b]An isometric view of a first tool used in assembling a fastening system during an exemplary assembly process.

[0011] [Figure 4a] An isometric view of a second tool having a torque recorder used in assembling a fastening system during an exemplary assembly process. [Figure 4b] An isometric view of a second tool having a torque recorder used in assembling a fastening system during an exemplary assembly process.

[0012] [Figure 5a] An isometric view of a fastener assembly in one example.

[0013] [Figure 5b] A top view of the fastener assembly. [Figure 5c] A bottom view of the fastener assembly.

[0014] [Figure 5d] A top isometric view of the fastener assembly. [Figure 5e] A bottom isometric view of the fastener assembly.

[0015] [Figure 5f] A first side view of the fastener assembly. [Figure 5g] A second side view of the fastener assembly. [Figure 5h] A third side view of the fastener assembly. [Figure 5i] A fourth side view of the fastener assembly.

[0016] [Figure 5j] An isometric cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly along cutting line A-A (Figure 5b). [Figure 5k] A side cross-sectional view of the fastener assembly along cutting line A-A (Figure 5b).

[0017] [Figure 6a] This is an isometric view of a fastener assembly in another example. [Figure 6b] This is a top view of a fastener assembly in another example.

[0018] [Figure 6c] This is a top view of the head section relative to the socket shape.

[0019] [Figure 7a] This is a top view of a fastener assembly in yet another example.

[0020] [Figure 7b] This is a top view of the head section relative to the socket shape.

[0021] [Figure 8a] This is an isometric view of a fastener assembly in yet another example. [Figure 8b] This is a top view of a fastener assembly in yet another example. [Figure 8c] This is an isometric view of a fastener assembly in yet another example. [Figure 8d] This is a top view of a fastener assembly in yet another example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] For items referred to as singular, it should be understood that this includes cases where the item is plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise explicitly mentioned or made clear from the description. Grammatical connections are intended to represent any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of combined phrases, sentences, and words, unless otherwise explicitly mentioned or made clear from the context. Enumerations of value ranges in this disclosure are not intended to be restrictive and, unless otherwise indicated in this disclosure, refer individually to any and all values ​​that fall within and / or include within that range, and each distinct value that falls within such range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually enumerated in this disclosure. In the following description, terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “before,” and “after” are words of convenience and should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. For example, in some examples, the first side is located adjacent to or near the second side, while the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any particular order in which the sides are ordered.

[0023] Terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” when accompanied by numerical values, should be interpreted as indicating a deviation that a person skilled in the art would understand to be sufficient for the intended purpose. Ranges of values ​​and / or numerical values ​​are provided in this disclosure for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The use of any and all examples or exemplary words (such as “e.g.”, “such as”) provided in this disclosure is intended merely to better highlight the examples of the disclosure and does not imply a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The terms “e.g.” and “for example” are the beginning of a list of one or more non-limiting examples, specific examples, or actual examples. Words in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating any unclaimed elements essential to the implementation of the disclosed examples.

[0024] The term "and / or" means any one or more items in a list linked by "and / or". For example, "x and / or y" means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". Another example is "x, y and / or z" meaning any element of 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".

[0025] Before shipment to the assembly plant, the fastener assembly may be pre-assembled with the door module from the cabin side by the door module supplier (e.g., as a part-in-assembly). At the assembly plant, workers insert the part-in-assembly so that the fastener assembly engages with the opening in the door structure. Once clipped in place, the fastener assembly is rotated, finally securing the door module to the door structure. To avoid damage to the fastening portion of the fastener assembly while still ensuring proper fastening of the door module to the door structure, it is desirable to control the torque applied during installation. To address this need, the disclosed fastener assembly provides, among other features, for controlling the torque applied during installation.

[0026] In one example, a fastening assembly for attaching a first part having a first opening to a second part having a second opening comprises a head section defining an external outer contour configured to engage with a socket of a tool, and a clip body coupled to the head section, the clip body having one or more cam-shaped portions that pass at least partially through the first and second openings and are configured to secure the first part to the second part as the clip body rotates around a pivot axis relative to the first and second parts via the head section, wherein the outer contour comprises a plurality of flat portions and a plurality of vertex regions, at least one of which incorporates a radius of curvature associated with a torque threshold at which the head section slides axially relative to the socket.

[0027] In some examples, the outer contour is substantially hexagonal, defining six flat portions and six vertex regions.

[0028] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature greater than zero and less than approximately R2.5.

[0029] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature ranging from approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.0.

[0030] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R2.5.

[0031] In some examples, the outer contour is substantially rectangular, defining four flat portions and four vertex regions.

[0032] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature ranging from approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.0.

[0033] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature greater than zero and less than approximately R2.5.

[0034] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R2.5.

[0035] In some examples, the outer contour comprises two separated triangular portions that collectively define four flat portions and two vertex regions.

[0036] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature ranging from approximately R2.0 to approximately R4.5.

[0037] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R2.5.

[0038] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R3.0.

[0039] In some examples, each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R4.0.

[0040] In some examples, the fastener assembly further comprises a slot formed across the head section, which divides the outer contour into opposing halves.

[0041] In some examples, the slot is configured to accept a blade-type driver.

[0042] In some examples, the fastener assembly further comprises a sealing flange, one or more of the flat portions being cantilevered at the connection point with respect to the sealing flange, thereby defining a gap between the cantilevered flat portion and the sealing flange.

[0043] In some examples, the cantilevered flat portion is elastically flexible inward toward the central axis around the connection point when a torque threshold is reached, thereby disengaging the socket.

[0044] In some examples, the thickness of the cantilevered flat portion at or near the connection point is configured to control the torque threshold at which deflection occurs.

[0045] In some cases, the head section is formed integrally with the clip body.

[0046] Figures 1a and 1b show schematic diagrams of the assembly and the assembled vehicle door 100, which has a first part 104 and a second part 106, respectively. Specifically, Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first part 104 and the second part 106, and Figure 1b shows a schematic diagram of the assembled first part 104 and the second part 106.

[0047] The first part 104 and the second part 106 may be, for example, an automobile panel or other automobile part. In the illustrated example, the first part 104 is a door module, and the second part 106 is a door structure that defines a cavity 114 configured to receive the door module. As shown, the door structure may comprise an upper part that forms a frame designed to extend around the side window of the vehicle, and a lower part that includes the cavity 114. The cavity 114 is designed to be at least partially filled by the first part 104 (e.g., the door module).

[0048] Multiple fastener assemblies 202 are configured to join and secure a second component 106 to a first component 104. To facilitate attachment via the fastener assemblies 202, each of the first component 104 and the second component 106 is provided with one or more engaging shapes, such as a first opening 110 and a second opening 112. For example, the first component 104 is shown as having a plurality of first openings 110 formed therein, and the second component 106 is shown as having a plurality of second openings 112 formed therein.

[0049] Depending on the application, one or both of the first component 104 and / or the second component 106 may be manufactured from, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer (e.g., plastic, e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite material (e.g., glass fiber), or a combination thereof.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the first part 104 and the second part 106 are joined at each of several mounting points via a fastener assembly 202 (an example of which is discussed) which, in cooperation with the corresponding first opening 110 and the second opening 112, defines a fastening system 102. Each of the first opening 110 and the second opening 112 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the fastener assembly 202. The first opening 110 and the second opening 112 may be formed in the respective first part 104 or second part 106 during manufacturing, or may be added after manufacturing by a mechanical process (e.g., drilling, cutting, carving, etc.). After the first part 104 and the second part 106 are assembled, the first part 104 is at least partially covered by the second part 106, as shown in Figure 1b.

[0051] Figures 2a to 2d show an isometric top view assembly diagram and an isometric top view diagram of a fastening system 102 having a fastening assembly 202 according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0052] The fastener assembly 202 generally comprises a clip body 204 (e.g., a rigid structure) and an annular seal 206 (e.g., a flexible structure). The clip body 204 generally comprises a first body portion 204a defining a head section 216 and a second body portion 204b configured to engage a first part 104 with a second part 106. A seal flange 208 is positioned between the first body portion 204a and the second body portion 204b. In the illustrated example, the seal flange 208 is positioned between the first body portion 204a and the second body portion 204b. In some examples, the first body portion 204a and the second body portion 204b generally resemble columnar bodies having a cross-sectional contour that is one or more of the following at one or more positions along their length: circular, quadrilateral, hexagonal, etc.

[0053] In one example, a portion of the clip body 204 (including the sealing flange 208) is formed as a single unit from a rigid material. The clip body 204 can be made from a variety of materials, including synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics, e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)), composite materials (e.g., glass fiber), metals (or metal alloys), or combinations thereof. In one example, the clip body 204 can be manufactured by mold tooling and plastic injection molding processes. In another example, the clip body 204 can be a printable thermoplastic material component that can be printed with very high precision and numerous fine decorations, which is particularly advantageous, for example, when manufacturing components that require complex and / or precise features.

[0054] The annular seal 206 can be manufactured from foamed material, thermoplastic material, rubber material, etc. Examples of thermoplastic materials include, in particular, polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In another example, the annular seal 206 may be formed by a die-cutting process and positioned on the seal flange 208 around the first body portion 204a. For example, the annular seal 206 may be formed separately and superimposed on the seal flange 208, bonded, or positioned in other ways.

[0055] Additive manufacturing techniques reduce initial manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for mold tooling, which is typically associated with plastic injection molding, and this is particularly advantageous in small-volume production. In some examples, the components of the fastener assembly 202 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). Thus, in one example, the seal flange 208 may be a rigid plastic structure, and the annular seal 206 may be made of a relatively soft material and be overmolded onto the seal flange 208 to form the fastener assembly 202.

[0056] The annular seal 206 assists in providing a seal between the seal flange 208 and the first component 104. The annular seal 206 restricts water and / or debris from being discharged through the fastener assembly 202. As shown in the figure, the annular seal 206 is positioned below the seal flange 208 so as to abut the surface of the first component 104 when assembled.

[0057] The seal flange 208, illustrated as a generally annular plate (e.g., a disc), is configured to hold, support, and secure the annular seal 206. The seal flange 208 may have a plurality of openings 210 to increase attachment and / or surface area contact with the annular seal 206. For example, portions of the annular seal 206 may protrude into the openings 210, flow through the openings 210, or otherwise enter through the openings 210 to increase attachment with the seal flange 208.

[0058] Each of the first body portion 204a and the second body portion 204b has one or more features for operation and / or for fastening to the first part 104 and / or the second part 106. The first body portion 204a has one or more operable shapes configured to be operated by hand or to engage with a tool 212 (e.g., a socket, screwdriver, torque wrench, etc.) and one or more engaging shapes configured to engage with the first part 104, and the second body portion 204b has one or more engaging shapes configured to engage with the second part 106. The tool 212 may be a hand tool or a power tool (e.g., an electric or pneumatic power tool).

[0059] The illustrated first body portion 204a comprises, for example, a head section 216. The head section 216 defines an inner recess 232 and an outer contour 214. The inner recess 232 is configured to receive one type of tool 212 (e.g., an Allen wrench), and the outer contour 214 can work with another type of tool 212 (e.g., a socket wrench). As shown, each of the inner recess 232 and the outer contour 214 is hexagonal in shape. The illustrated head section 216 further defines a slot 222 (a gap or space) along its centerline (when viewed from the top). The slot 222 can work with yet another type of tool 212 (e.g., a flathead screwdriver). The outer contour 214 and the inner recess 232 are shown as hexagons (i.e., 6 faces), but other shapes are conceivable depending on whether they are operated by hand and / or by the above-described type of tool, including, for example, knobs, triangles, squares, star shapes, X-shapes, D-shapes, etc.

[0060] During assembly, the second body portion 204b of the clip body 204 is inserted into the first opening 110 of the first part 104, as indicated by arrow 230. The clip body 204 can be held against the first part 104 via one or more elastic latches 224. The second body portion 204b of the clip body 204 (for example, as an assembled part) is then inserted into the second opening 112, as indicated by arrow 230. Once in place, the clip body 204 rotates about its central axis 218, as indicated by arrow 220.

[0061] The operator can, for example, engage the first body portion 204a (for example, via tool 212) and rotate the first body portion 204a relative to the first part 104 around the central axis 218 as indicated by arrow 220, via one or more of the outer contour portion 214, slot 222, and / or inner recess 232 of the head section 216 (and thus rotate the fastener assembly 202).

[0062] As the fastener assembly 202 rotates about the central axis 218, one or more engaging shapes engage and secure the first part 104 and the second part 106. The illustrated second body portion 204b comprises, for example, one or more elastic latches 224. The elastic latches 224 are configured to snap and hold the first part 104 when the fastener assembly 202 is inserted into the first opening 110 (for example, to form an assembled part). The elastic latches 224 can be formed with the thickness of the second body portion 204b. The illustrated elastic latch comprises a tab having a first end connected to the second body portion 204b and a free second end configured for securing the first part 104 and / or the second part 106.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the first body portion 204a comprises four elastic latches 224 arranged in pairs (as shown in Figures 5f and 5g) and positioned on opposite sides of the central axis 218. Although four are shown, additional or fewer elastic latches 224 may be employed depending on the desired number of mounting points with the first component 104 and the desired amount of rotation for connecting and disconnecting the fastener assembly 202 to and from the first component 104.

[0064] The second body portion 204b of the fastener assembly 202 comprises or defines two shoulders 226. In the illustrated example, the two shoulders 226 are transverse with respect to the central axis 218 and face each other in the diametrical direction. In the illustrated example, each shoulder 226 is formed as a substantially truncated rectangular parallelepiped; that is, each shoulder 226 has a substantially flat upper surface 226a but is a rectangular parallelepiped cut through a cross section to define an angled surface 226b. The angled surface 226b acts as a cam surface or inclined surface to bring the second part 106 closer to the first part 104 when rotated about the central axis 218. That is, the angled surface 226b is configured to cooperate with a complementary surface of the second part 106 when the fastener assembly 202 rotates. The direction of rotation of 108 is indicated by arrow 220.

[0065] In some examples, the fastener assembly 202 can be inserted into the first opening 110 and fixed to the first opening 110 via the fastener assembly 108 to form a pre-assembled part with the first part 104. The pre-assembled part can then be joined to the second part 106 by rotating the fastener assembly 202 about the central axis 218 and fixing the second part 106 to the second part 106 (via the shoulder portion 226).

[0066] The first opening 110 and the second opening 112 are configured to receive and engage with a portion of the clip body 204. In the illustrated example, the second opening 112 is generally rectangular, and the first opening 110 is generally circular. For example, the first opening 110 is generally circular and configured to receive and fit the cross-sectional contour of the second body portion 204b adjacent to the seal flange. Similarly, the second opening 112 is also generally rectangular to receive and fit the cross-sectional contour of the second body portion 204b.

[0067] The first opening 110 and the second opening 112 may each further comprise or define one or more engaging shapes configured to engage with the clip body 204 and secure the clip body 204. For example, the illustrated first opening 110 defines one or more notches 228, each notch 228 having an inclined portion 228a. During and after assembly, one or more notches 228 are configured to engage with one or more shapes on the clip body 204.

[0068] In some cases, the tool 212 may apply excessive torque to the fastener assembly 202 via the head section 216, particularly when the tool 212 is powered (e.g., electrically, pneumatically, or otherwise). Excessive torque may damage the fastener assembly 202 and reduce its fastening efficiency. For example, the second body portion 204b may break, resulting in the separation of the first part 104 and the second part 106. To mitigate this risk, the fastener assembly 202 can be protected by configuring the head section 216 to slide against the tool 212 when a predetermined maximum torque is reached. In certain embodiments, the head section 216 may be molded or otherwise designed to deform, break, or disengage from the socket 304 of the tool 212 when a maximum torque threshold is reached.

[0069] Figures 3a and 3b show isometric views of a first tool 212 used in assembling the fastening system 102 during an exemplary assembly process, and Figures 4a and 4b show isometric views of a second tool 212 having an electric screwdriver 406 and / or a torque recorder 402 used in assembling the fastening system 102. Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, the first tool 212 comprises a shank 302 having a socket 304. The socket 304 has an opening 306 defining a hexagonal shape 702 and is configured to receive the head section 216. The hexagonal shape 702 of the opening 306 is complementary to or compatible with the outer contour 214 of the head section 216. The shank 302 can be rotated by hand or by power about a central axis 218. Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the second tool 212 comprises a handle 404, an electric screwdriver 406, and a torque recorder 402. The electric screwdriver 406 is configured to rotate the shank 302 around a central axis 218, and the torque recorder 402 determines and displays the applied torque in real time. In some examples, the electric screwdriver 406 can be configured to stop when a torque threshold is reached.

[0070] To eliminate the need for more complex torque monitoring and / or control devices, the outer contour portion 214 of the head section 216 can be additionally or alternatively configured to slide against the socket 304 of the tool 212 when a predetermined maximum torque (e.g., a torque threshold) is reached. This is achieved by the outer contour portion 214 deforming, breaking, or simply disengaging from the socket 304 of the tool 212, thereby protecting the rest of the fastener assembly 202.

[0071] Figure 5a shows an isometric view of the fastener assembly 202. Figures 5b and 5c show the top view and bottom view of the fastener assembly 202, respectively. Figures 5d and 5e show the top view and bottom view isometric view, respectively. Figures 5f to 5i show the first side view, second side view, third side view, and fourth side view, respectively. Figures 5j and 5k show the isometric cross-sectional view and cross-sectional side view of the fastener assembly 202 along the cutting line AA in Figure 5b, respectively.

[0072] As best shown in Figure 5b, the head section 216 is substantially hexagonal and defines an outer contour 214 configured for wrench engagement of the tool 212 with a complementary socket 304. A slot 222 is formed across the surface of the head section 216 (e.g., coinciding with the cutting line AA) thereby dividing the outer hexagonal contour 214 into two opposing halves. Each half comprises a plurality of flat portions 504 that intersect at the vertex region 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour 214 defines six flat portions 504 and six corresponding vertex regions 502. However, additional or fewer flat portions 504 and vertex regions 502 may be employed depending on the geometry of the complementary socket 304 and / or the desired torque transmission characteristics.

[0073] In certain examples, the vertex region 502 is not a sharp corner, but instead incorporates a finite radius of curvature. The addition of a radius of curvature to the vertex region facilitates controlled sliding of the socket 304 when a given torque is applied, thereby reducing the possibility of excessive stress on or damage to the fastener assembly 202. In addition, the curved vertex region 502 reduces localized stress concentration, decreasing the risk of crack initiation and propagation during torque application. The radius of curvature of each vertex region 502 can be selected to establish a desired torque threshold. In some examples, the radius of curvature of each of the six vertex regions 502 is greater than zero, ranging from approximately R0.2 to approximately R5.0, approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.0, approximately R2.0 to approximately R3.0, or approximately R2.5.

[0074] For example, tests have shown that when the radius of curvature of each of the six vertex regions 502 is R0.2, the torque threshold is approximately 4.9 Newton meters (Nm). Conversely, increasing the radius of curvature of each vertex region 502 to R2.5 has been shown to decrease the torque threshold to approximately 3.0 Nm. Thus, increasing the radius of curvature decreases the torque threshold, and decreasing the radius increases the torque threshold. By adjusting the torque response by geometrically adjusting the vertex regions 502, precise control and protection of the fastener assembly 202 during installation are possible.

[0075] The slot 222 is dimensioned to accommodate a blade-type screwdriver (e.g., a flathead screwdriver), allowing for manual rotation of the fastener assembly 202 using conventional hand tools. At the same time, the external hexagonal contour 214 maintains compatibility with sockets or wrenches, allowing for the application of higher torque as needed. Thus, the combination of the internal slot and the external hexagonal contour defines a composite drive head geometry that provides installation flexibility, torque control, and enhanced durability of the fastener assembly 202.

[0076] Figures 6a and 6b show isometric and top views, respectively, of a fastener assembly 202 in another example. Figure 6c shows a top view of the head section 216 relative to the hexagonal shape 702 of the socket 304. The fastener assembly 202 in Figures 6a and 6b is substantially identical to the fastener assembly 202 in Figures 5a to 5k, except for the head section 216.

[0077] As best shown in Figure 6b, the head section 216 is substantially rectangular and defines an outer contour 214 configured for wrench engagement with a complementary socket 304 of the tool 212. Although the outer contour 214 is rectangular, it remains suitable for use with a hexagonal socket 304, as shown in Figure 6c.

[0078] In this case as well, the slot 222 is formed across the head section 216, thereby dividing the outer rectangular contour into two opposing halves. Each half comprises a plurality of flat portions 504 that intersect in the vertex region 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour 214 defines four flat portions 504 and four corresponding vertex regions 502.

[0079] Similar to the previous example, the vertex regions 502 do not need to be sharp corners, but may instead incorporate a finite radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of each vertex region 502 can be selected to establish a desired torque threshold. In some examples, the radius of curvature of each of the four vertex regions 502 is greater than zero, ranging from approximately R0.2 to approximately R5.0, approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.0, approximately R2.0 to approximately R3.0, or approximately R2.5. For example, tests have shown that when the radius of curvature of each of the four vertex regions 502 is R2.5, the torque threshold is approximately 2.0 Newton meters (Nm). Increasing the radius of curvature decreases the torque threshold, and decreasing the radius increases the torque threshold.

[0080] Figure 7a shows a top view of a fastener assembly 202 in yet another example. Figure 7b shows a top view of the head section 216 relative to the hexagonal shape 702 of the socket 304. The fastener assemblies 202 in Figures 7a and 7b are substantially identical to the fastener assemblies 202 in Figures 5a to 5k, except for the head section 216.

[0081] The head section 216 defines an outer contour 214, which is composed of two spaced triangles configured for use with the hexagonal socket 304 of the tool 212. Each of the two spaced triangles comprises a plurality of flat portions 504 that intersect in one or more vertex regions 502. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer contour 214 defines four flat portions 504 and two vertex regions 502.

[0082] Similar to the previous example, the vertex regions 502 do not need to be sharp corners, but may instead incorporate a finite radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of each vertex region 502 can be selected to establish a desired torque threshold. In some examples, the radius of curvature of each of the two vertex regions 502 is greater than zero, ranging from approximately R0.2 to approximately R5.0, approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.0, approximately R2.0 to approximately R4.5, or approximately R2.5, R3.0, or R4.

[0083] For example, tests have shown that when the radius of curvature of each of the two vertex regions 502 is R2.5, the torque threshold is approximately 1.39 Newton meters (Nm). Increasing the radius of curvature decreases the torque threshold, and decreasing the radius increases the torque threshold. For example, when the radius of curvature of each of the two vertex regions 502 is R3, the torque threshold is approximately 0.6 Nm, and when the radius is R4, the torque threshold is approximately 0.4 Nm.

[0084] Figures 8a to 8d show isometric and top views of the fastener assembly 202 in yet another example, respectively. In this embodiment, one or more of the multiple flat portions 504 are cantilevered to the seal flange 208 at connection point 804, and a gap 806 is defined between the cantilevered flat portion 802 and the seal flange 208.

[0085] Similar to the previous example, the vertex region 502 does not have to be a sharp corner, but may instead incorporate a finite radius of curvature. In some examples, the radius of curvature of each of the two vertex regions 502 is greater than zero, ranging from approximately R0.2 to approximately R5.0, approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.0, approximately R2.0 to approximately R3.0, or approximately R2.5.

[0086] Figures 8a and 8b show an isometric and top view of the fastener assembly 202 with the cantilevered flat section 802 in its default state, respectively, while Figures 8c and 8d show an isometric and top view of the fastener assembly 202 with the cantilevered flat section 802 in a deflected state, respectively. When the torque threshold is reached, the cantilevered flat section 802 elastically deflects inward toward the central axis 218 around the connection point 804. This inward deflection disengages or slides the socket 304 of the tool 212, thereby preventing the application of torque exceeding the desired limit. The number of cantilevered flat sections 504 can be selected to adjust the overall torque response of the head section 216. In addition, the geometric characteristics of each cantilevered flat section 802, such as the thickness, length, and width at or near the connection point 804, may be modified to increase or decrease the torque threshold at which inward deflection occurs.

[0087] In various examples, the slot 222 and the inner recess 232 are illustrated, but the slot 222 and the inner recess 232 can be omitted, in which case the outer contour 214 will serve as the main engagement shape, or even as the sole engagement shape.

[0088] While the Method and / or System has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the Method and / or System. In addition, many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the Disclosure to adapt the teachings of the Disclosure to specific circumstances or materials. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the Method and / or System is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, the Method and / or System includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A fastening assembly for attaching a first component having a first opening to a second component having a second opening, A head section defining an outer contour portion configured to engage with the socket of a tool, A clip body coupled to the head section and having one or more cam-shaped portions, wherein the one or more cam-shaped portions are configured to pass at least partially through the first opening and the second opening, and when the clip body rotates around a rotation axis relative to the first and second parts via the head section, it fixes the first part to the second part. Equipped with, The outer contour portion comprises a plurality of flat portions and a plurality of vertex regions, At least one of the plurality of vertex regions incorporates a radius of curvature associated with a torque threshold for which the head section slides axially relative to the socket. Fastener assembly.

2. The fastener assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer contour portion is substantially hexagonal and defines six flat portions and six vertex regions.

3. The fastener assembly according to claim 2, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature greater than zero and less than approximately R2.

5.

4. The fastener assembly according to claim 2, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.

0.

5. The fastener assembly according to claim 2, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R2.

5.

6. The fastener assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer contour portion is substantially rectangular and defines four flat portions and four vertex regions.

7. The fastener assembly according to claim 6, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R1.0 to approximately R4.

0.

8. The fastener assembly according to claim 6, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature greater than zero and less than approximately R2.

5.

9. The fastener assembly according to claim 6, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R2.

5.

10. The fastener assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer contour portion comprises two triangular portions spaced apart from each other, and collectively comprises two triangular portions that define four flat portions and two vertex regions.

11. The fastener assembly according to claim 10, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R2.0 to approximately R4.

5.

12. The fastener assembly according to claim 10, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R2.

5.

13. The fastener assembly according to claim 10, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R3.

0.

14. The fastener assembly according to claim 10, wherein each vertex region has a radius of curvature of approximately R4.

0.

15. The fastener assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a slot formed across the head section, wherein the slot divides the outer contour into opposing halves.

16. The fastener assembly according to claim 15, wherein the slot is configured to receive a blade-type screwdriver.

17. The fastener assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a seal flange, wherein one or more of the flat portions are cantilevered at the connection point with respect to the seal flange, thereby defining a gap between the cantilevered flat portion and the seal flange.

18. The cantilevered flat portion is elastically flexible inward toward the central axis around the connection point when a torque threshold is reached, thereby disengaging the socket, as described in claim 17.

19. The fastener assembly according to claim 17, wherein the thickness of the cantilevered flat portion at or near the connection point is configured to control the torque threshold at which deflection occurs.

20. The fastener assembly according to claim 1, wherein the head section is integrally formed with the clip body.

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