Arcuate Protrusion Plastic Fastener for Automotive Transverse Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening assemblies for plastic components in automotive applications face issues with retaining force under high transverse forces, leading to potential damage of metal studs and corrosion, especially when using plastic nuts which lack sufficient strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
A fastening assembly featuring a plastic fastening element with an arcuate protrusion that cuts or presses a groove into the component's surface, providing enhanced retaining force and preventing damage to metal studs, while using a pre-shaped thread to avoid corrosion by not damaging the stud's coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal nuts are used to improve retaining force under high transverse forces, then the retaining force is improved, but the coating on the metal stud is damaged leading to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plastic fastening element with a limited-life groove that deforms plastically under high transverse forces to maintain retaining force, while the metal stud with coating remains intact and reusable, avoiding corrosion damage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines plastic material for the fastening element body with a specially designed groove structure, creating a composite solution that achieves metal-like retaining force through geometric design rather than material strength
2Object-affected harmful factors
If plastic nuts are used to avoid damaging the stud coating, then corrosion resistance is maintained, but the retaining force under high transverse forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the plastic fastening element by introducing an arcuate groove with specific geometry that can deform plastically, transforming the material from brittle to ductile behavior under load to achieve high retaining force
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate (curved) groove design allows the plastic material to deform and conform under transverse forces, distributing stress more effectively than a straight groove would, thereby increasing retaining force while maintaining corrosion resistance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the use of plastic fastening elements to withstand high transverse forces without damaging the stud's coating, maintaining corrosion resistance and achieving a self-locking effect, thus ensuring secure fastening in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate protrusion is formed on the flange facing which cuts or presses a groove extending in the peripheral direction into a surface of a portion of the component as a result of the thread engagement
Implementation Method 2
a first plurality of first arcuate protrusions which are distanced by a first radius from the thread axis are formed on the flange facing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~10
Figure 11~12
AI summary
Plastic fastening element (16) comprising a main body (22) which has a thread portion (30) with a thread axis (20) and on which a flange facing (28) is formed which is oriented transversely to the thread axis (20) and is arranged around the thread portion (30), the flange facing (28) being formed so as to rest against a surface (45) of a component (12) to be fastened by means of the fastening element (16). Here, at least one protrusion (32), which is arcuate in plan view, is formed on the flange facing (28). (Figure 1)