Anchoring Fastener Assembly with Barbed Bushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assemblies often cause metal sheets to bulge or protrude when secured, as the force exerted by the fastener pushes the metal outward, leading to an unsightly and potentially insecure attachment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed fastener assembly includes an anchoring bushing with radially extending anchoring members, such as burrs or tabs, that securely anchor into the component, preventing the metal from bulging by digging into the surrounding material and maintaining a flush attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastener is used to secure a component to a metal sheet, then the fastener can hold the component securely, but the metal sheet bulges or protrudes outwardly around the through-hole
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring bushing is divided into multiple functional segments: a collar portion that interfaces with the metal sheet surface, a component-insertion tube that passes through the through-hole, and multiple anchoring members (barbs) that engage the metal sheet. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, preventing bulging while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing the fastener to push outward on the metal sheet (conventional approach), the anchoring bushing inverts the force direction by using inwardly-directed barbs that dig into the metal sheet. The anchoring members are configured with outwardly-sloped walls that terminate in sharp points, causing them to penetrate and anchor into the metal sheet rather than push against it, thereby preventing bulge formation.
2Strength
If the fastener exerts force into the metal sheet to secure the component, then the fastening strength increases, but the metal sheet material is pushed outward causing bulging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful outward-pushing force into a beneficial anchoring action. The anchoring members are designed with outwardly-sloped walls that, when force is applied, cause the sharp terminations to dig into the metal sheet rather than push it outward. The force that would normally cause bulging is instead harnessed to drive the barbs into the metal sheet, creating a secure anchor that prevents both bulging and fastener backout.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring bushing acts as an intermediary between the fastener and the metal sheet. Instead of the fastener directly pushing on the metal sheet (which causes bulging), the bushing intermediates by distributing the force through its collar portion and transferring it to the anchoring members that engage the metal sheet through their barbs, eliminating the direct push that causes bulging.
3Reliability
If an anchoring bushing with multiple anchoring members is used, then the anchoring security improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple anchoring members are merged into a single integrally-formed bushing component. The collar portion, component-insertion tube, and multiple anchoring members are formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity despite the multi-functional design. This integration maintains high anchoring security while simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly is configured to secure to a component. The fastener assembly may include a fastener having a shaft integrally connected to an engagement head, and an anchoring bushing that retains the fastener. The anchoring bushing may include a main body defining a fastener passage that retains the shaft, and at least one anchoring member extending from a portion of the main body. The anchoring member(s) is configured to securely anchor into at least a portion of the component.