Pin and mold-in grommet for mounting parts on vehicles

Abstract

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

Description

PIN AND MOLD-IN GROMMET FOR MOUNTING PARTS ON VEHICLESCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to Yongquan, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 621,506, entitled “PIN AND MOLD-IN GROMMET FOR MOUNTING PARTS ON VEHICLES,” filed on January 16, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] During the assembly and manufacturing process of vehicles, brackets are frequently used to mount parts onto the vehicle for later usage, especially large parts. For example, brackets may be connected to the body in white (the stage of an automobile during manufacturing where only the frame exists, before painting and other processes have been performed). These brackets can allow components such as wheel liners, rocker panels, lamps, trims, bumpers, etc. to be attached or otherwise connected to the body.SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for mounting parts on vehicles can include a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket comprising a plurality of mold-in grommets; and a plurality of pins, each pin residing within a respective mold-in grommet. Each pin and moldin grommet combination can be aligned with an opening in the body panel and, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin can cause the respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pins can include an umbrella. In some embodiments, the umbrella can be configured to contact the mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection.

[0004] In some embodiments, the mold-in grommet can include a snap feature. In some embodiments, the snap feature can include at least one finger and at least one corner. In some embodiments, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger can spread out until the finger engages the respective corner. In some embodiments, the body panel can include at least one of a rocker panel, a side body to a rear door, a side body to a rear wheel liner, a side body to a trunk, a side body to a tail lamp, or a side body to a rear bumper.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for mounting parts on a vehicle can include coupling a bracket to a body panel of a vehicle body, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of mold-in grommets; inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of mold-in grommets, wherein each pin resides within a respective mold-in grommet, wherein each pin and mold-in grommet combination are aligned with an opening in the body panel; and pushing the plurality of pins toward the body panel, wherein each pin causes the respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0006] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pins can include an umbrella. In some embodiments, the umbrella can be configured to contact the mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection. In some embodiments, the mold-in grommet can include a snap feature. In some embodiments, the snap feature can include at least one finger and at least one corner. In some embodiments, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger can spread out until the finger engages the respective corner. In some embodiments, the body panel can include at least one of a rocker panel, a side body to a rear door, a side body to a rear wheel liner, a side body to a trunk, a side body to a tail lamp, or a side body to a rear bumper.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] Various objectives, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.

[0008] FIGS. 1 A-1I show a pin and mold-in grommet system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle body with example placements of a pin and mold-in grommet system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, or inclusive of all elements of a system, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the concepts, structures, and techniques sought to be protected herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0012] The brackets that are generally used for facilitating connections between components and the body in white (BIW) of a vehicle during the manufacturing stage suffer from various deficiencies, such as non-optimal insertion and retention force performance, a lack of water sealing capabilities, and excessive heaviness and thus difficulty in handling. In addition, pins that insert into the brackets are generally pre-installed as a single assembly. In other words, the pin and bracket form a single assembly, limiting their maneuverability, flexibility, and reusability. Moreover, such single assemblies also require tooling for insertion and removal. This is undesirable.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure are therefore directed to a pin and mold-in grommet bracket system that can be used to mount parts on vehicles, such as large plastic parts that include wheel liners, rocker panels, bumpers, tail lamp brackets, etc. For example, the disclosed pin and mold-in grommet can be used to assembly the exterior plastic shells to a vehicle body during assembly. The bracket can include grommets that are formed as a single unit (i.e., mold-in grommets). After the brackets are attached to the vehicle body, a pin can be inserted (but not locked) into each of the mold-in grommets. The pin can be held by the grommet so that it does not move or fall out but is not fully locked in place. Once the vehicle with installed brackets and pins is received at a certain stage of manufacturing, the pins can simply be pushed in by a person, causingthem to lock and thus strengthening the connection between bracket and the vehicle body. The mold-in grommet can include a snap feature and is specially configured to allow for the pushing of the pin to engage the locked condition of the assembly. In addition, a screwdriver can then be used to pry and pull the pin out of the grommet so that the bracket can be removed. The disclosed pin and mold-in grommet bracket system has various benefits such as improved insertion forces and retention force performance, water sealing capabilities, and avoidance of tooling procedures.

[0014] In addition, the disclosed mold-in grommet bracket system can include various snap features on its exterior that enable a more desirable connection mechanisms for various components, such as vehicle trims and plastic shells (e.g., rocker panels, wheel liners, etc.) and other non-machined castings. The disclosed mold-in grommet bracket system can include a particular configuration of various channels, tuning rib gaps, and flushness tuning ribs to securely receive an external component that is being attached to the vehicle. These aspects of the pin and mold-in grommet bracket system also provide various benefits, such as improved serviceability (i.e., easy removal and reusability), improved ergonomics for handling during production, improved controllability of the gap and flushness tolerance between exterior trims to maintain quality and appearances, reliability for joints, decreased cost, and decreased weight.

[0015] FIGS. 1A-1I show a pin and mold-in grommet system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes a bracket 101, a plurality of pins 102 (herein referred to collectively as “pins 102” or individually as “a pin 102”), and a plurality of mold-in grommets 103 (herein referred to collectively as “grommets 103” or individually as “a grommet 103”). In some embodiments, the view of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 A can be visible from outside a vehicle. In other words, the visible side of the bracket 101 may face away from a BIW. In some embodiments, the pins 102 can be made of a plastic material. In addition, each of the pins can include an umbrella 105.

[0016] FIG. IB shows a side view of the system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the configuration of the system 100 in FIG. IB can be referred to as a delivery condition, where the bracket 101 is received by an assembly team in such a configuration, withthe bracket 101 connected to a body panel 120. In FIG. IB, the pin 102 is held by the mold-in grommet 103. However, the pin 102 is not engaged at this stage. The grommet 103 includes pin spreads 104 that enable the system 100 to engage and lock on the notches 180. The arrow indicates the direction in which a user would push the pin 102 into the grommet 103 to create the engaged condition. In FIG. 1C, after the pin 102 has been pushed to the right a sufficient distance, the bracket 101 becomes engaged or “locked.” As the pin 102 moves rightward, the pin spreads 104 curve outward and the ends move inward toward the bracket 101. Eventually, the ends of each pin spread 104 move past the respective notch 180 until they reside below each notch 180. In other words, each pair of pin spreads 104 and notches 180 forms a snap feature to snap onto the body panel 120. The notches 180 prevent the pin spreads 104 from moving back to the right and returning to their initial position, thereby causing the system 100 to be in an engaged position. A zoomed-in view of the engaged configuration of a pin spread 104 and a notch 180 is shown in FIG. ID. In addition, the umbrella 105 of the pin 102 has interference with the grommet 103 that can provide water sealing performance between the pin 102 and the grommet 103. In FIG. IE, a screwdriver 106 can be used (e.g., by a user) to pry and pull the pin 102 out of the grommet 103. The leftward force applied to the pin 102 by the screwdriver 106 causes the pin spreads 104 and notches 180 to become disengaged, thereby allowing for the easy removal of the pin 102 from the grommet 103. Then, the entire bracket 101 can be removed from the body panel 120.

[0017] FIG. IF illustrates the features of the disclosed pin and mold-in grommet system 100 that can be used to enable improved connections to various components, such as vehicle trims and plastic shells. The bracket 101 can include tuning rib gaps 107a-b, flushness tuning ribs 108a-b, tuning ribs 109, and clips 110. In addition, the bracket 101 can include channels 130a-b that are formed on each side of a ridge 140. In some embodiments, the ridge 140 can run the length of the bracket 101 and can reside at a midpoint between an upper surface of the bracket 101 and the grommets 103 on the bottom portion of the bracket 101. The various components (tuning rib gaps 107a-b, flushness tuning ribs 108a-b, tuning ribs 109, and clips 110) therefore reside within the channels130a-b and enable a more efficient and secure connection to a trim or other shell during vehicle assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, each clip 110 can be a mold-in clip, meaning the clip 110 is formed as a part of the ridge 140. In some embodiments, the bracket101 can include sections, each section having a specific arrangement of ribs, gaps, and clips. For example, as shown in FIG. IF, the bracket 101 includes a left configuration and a right configuration. Each has four flushness tuning ribs 108, where a tuning rib gap 107 is formed between each of the flushness tuning ribs 108 and the ridge 140. The tuning rib gap is configured to receive a tuning rib from a trim or other component (see FIGS. 1H-1I). In some embodiments, each flushness tuning rib 108 is formed in one of the channels 130 and has another flushness tuning rib 108 formed in the opposite channel so that the two flushness tuning ribs 108 are aligned with each other. In addition, the tuning ribs 109 are formed in between the two sets of flushness tuning ribs 108. Moreover, the mold-in clip 110 can reside along the ridge 140 at a midpoint between the flushness tuning ribs 108.

[0019] FIG. 1G illustrates a bracket 101 connected to a BIW 190 via the pins102 (details regarding the connection mechanism are described in relation to FIGS. 1 A-1E). In FIG. 1G, the pins 102 have been pushed into the grommets103 such that they are in an engaged condition, as discussed above. FIG. 1H illustrates the system 100, where the bracket 101 is attached to the BIW 190, along the cross-section A after various trims have been connected via the bracket 101. As shown in FIG. 1H, the bracket 101 is connected to and is in contact with the BIW 190. In addition, the bracket 101 has received (and is therefore connected to) trims 111 and 112. The trim 111 has a tuning rib 113 that fits into the tuning rib gap 107a between the flushness tuning rib 108a and the ridge 140. In addition, the trim 112 has a tuning rib 114 that fits into the tuning rib gap 107b between the flushness tuning rib 108b and the ridge 140. FIG. II illustrates the system 100, where the bracket 101 is attached to the BIW 190, along the cross-section B after various trims have been connected via the bracket 101. As shown in FIG. II, the trim 111 has a tuning rib 113 with a notch at its end. The trim 112 has a tuning rib 114 with a similar notch at its end. The notches of the tuning ribs 113 and 114 can hook onto the mold-in clip 110 that is part of theridge 140, thereby providing a secure connection and preventing movement of the trims and holding them in place.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a vehicle body 200 with example placements of a pin and mold-in grommet system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle body 200 can include a system 100a for receiving a rocker panel, a system 100b for receiving a side body to the rear door, a system 100c for receiving a side body to the rear wheel liner, a system lOOd for receiving a side body to the rear bumper, a system lOOe for receiving a side body to the tail lamp, and a system lOOf for receiving a side body to the trunk.EXAMPLES

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

[0022] Example 1. A system for mounting parts on vehicles comprising: a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket comprising a plurality of mold-in grommets; and a plurality of pins, each pin residing within a respective mold-in grommet; wherein each pin and mold-in grommet combination are aligned with an opening in the body panel; wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes the respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0023] Example 2 includes the system of example 1, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises an umbrella.

[0024] Example 3 includes the system of example 2, wherein the umbrella is configured to contact the respective mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection.

[0025] Example 4 includes the system of any one of examples 1-3, wherein the respective mold-in grommet comprises a snap feature.

[0026] Example 5 includes the system of example 4, wherein the snap feature comprises at least one finger and at least one corner.

[0027] Example 6 includes the system of example 5, wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger spreads out until the at least one finger engages the at least one corner.

[0028] Example 7 includes the system of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the body panel comprises at least one of a rocker panel, a side body to a rear door, a side body to a rear wheel liner, a side body to a trunk, a side body to a tail lamp, or a side body to a rear bumper.

[0029] Example 8. A method for mounting parts on vehicles comprising: coupling a bracket to a body panel of a vehicle body, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of mold-in grommets; inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of mold-in grommets, wherein each pin resides within a respective mold-in grommet, wherein each pin and mold-in grommet combination are aligned with an opening in the body panel; and pushing the plurality of pins toward the body panel, wherein each pin causes the respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0030] Example 9 includes the method of example 8, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises an umbrella.

[0031] Example 10 includes the method of example 9, wherein the umbrella is configured to contact the respective mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection.

[0032] Example 11 includes the method of any one of examples 8-10, wherein the respective mold-in grommet comprises a snap feature.

[0033] Example 12 includes the method of example 11, wherein the snap feature comprises at least one finger and at least one corner.

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

[0035] Example 14 includes the method of any one of examples 8-13, wherein the body panel comprises at least one of a rocker panel, a side body to a rear door, a side body to a rear wheel liner, a side body to a trunk, a side body to a tail lamp, or a side body to a rear bumper.

[0036] Example 15 includes a system for mounting parts on a vehicle comprising: a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket comprising a plurality of mold-in grommets configured to receive a plurality ofpins; and wherein received each pin and mold-in grommet combination are aligned with an opening in the body panel; wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes a respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel.

[0037] Example 16 includes the system of example 15, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises an umbrella.

[0038] Example 17 includes the system of example 16, wherein the umbrella is configured to contact the respective mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection.

[0039] Example 18 includes the system of any one of examples 15-17, wherein the respective mold-in grommet comprises a snap feature.

[0040] Example 19 includes the system of example 18, wherein the snap feature comprises at least one finger and at least one corner.

[0041] Example 20 includes the system of example 19, wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger spreads out until the at least one finger engages the at least one corner.

[0042] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement alternative embodiments. For example, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0043] In addition, it should be understood that any figures which highlight the functionality and advantages are presented for example purposes only. The disclosed methodology and system are each sufficiently flexible and configurable such that they may be utilized in ways other than that shown.

[0044] Although the term “at least one” may often be used in the specification, claims and drawings, the terms “a”, “an”, “the”, “said”, etc. also signify “at least one” or “the at least one” in the specification, claims and drawings.

[0045] Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include the express language "means for" or "step for" be interpreted under 35 U.S.C.112(f). Claims that do not expressly include the phrase "means for" or "step for" are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for mounting parts on vehicles comprising: a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket comprising a plurality of mold-in grommets; and a plurality of pins, each pin residing within a respective mold-in grommet; wherein each pin and mold-in grommet combination are aligned with an opening in the body panel; wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes the respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises an umbrella.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the umbrella is configured to contact the respective mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the respective mold-in grommet comprises a snap feature.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the snap feature comprises at least one finger and at least one corner.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger spreads out until the at least one finger engages the at least one corner.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the body panel comprises at least one of a rocker panel, a side body to a rear door, a side body to a rear wheel liner, a side body to a trunk, a side body to a tail lamp, or a side body to a rear bumper.

8. A method for mounting parts on vehicles comprising: coupling a bracket to a body panel of a vehicle body, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of mold-in grommets;inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of mold-in grommets, wherein each pin resides within a respective mold-in grommet, wherein each pin and mold-in grommet combination are aligned with an opening in the body panel; and pushing the plurality of pins toward the body panel, wherein each pin causes the respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises an umbrella.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the umbrella is configured to contact the respective mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the respective mold-in grommet comprises a snap feature.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the snap feature comprises at least one finger and at least one corner.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger spreads out until the at least one finger engages the at least one corner.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the body panel comprises at least one of a rocker panel, a side body to a rear door, a side body to a rear wheel liner, a side body to a trunk, a side body to a tail lamp, or a side body to a rear bumper.

15. A system for mounting parts on a vehicle comprising: a bracket coupled to a body panel of a vehicle body, the bracket comprising a plurality of mold-in grommets configured to receive a plurality of pins; and wherein received each pin and mold-in grommet combination are aligned with an opening in the body panel;wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each pin causes a respective mold-in grommet to engage and lock the bracket to the body panel.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of pins comprises an umbrella.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the umbrella is configured to contact the respective mold-in grommet to form a water sealing connection.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the respective mold-in grommet comprises a snap feature.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the snap feature comprises at least one finger and at least one corner.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein, in response to being pushed toward the body panel, each finger spreads out until the at least one finger engages the at least one corner.

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