Box Nut Retainer Structure for Thin-Panel Anti-Rattle Clamping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing box nut retainer systems fail to securely engage relatively thin panels, leading to misalignment, rattling noises, and wear due to relative movement between the retainer and the panel.
Innovation Solution
The box nut retainer system features a support with opposing wings and a fastener sleeve that engages with the panel's top and bottom surfaces, utilizing snap arms and tabs to securely clamp the retainer in place, preventing movement and ensuring tight engagement with the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional box nut retainer is used to fasten panels, then the fastening function is achieved, but the retainer does not tightly engage relatively thin panels, leading to misalignment, rattling noises, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer engages the panel in multiple dimensions: the body engages the rear surface, while the tabs extend forward to engage the front surface. This multi-dimensional engagement eliminates relative movement between the retainer and thin panel, preventing misalignment, rattling noises, and wear while maintaining secure fastening.
2Weight of moving object
If the panel thickness is reduced to use thinner, lighter panels, then vehicle weight is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but the retainer cannot securely engage the thin panel
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer transitions from single-surface engagement to multi-surface engagement by extending tabs from the body to reach the front surface of thin panels. This allows secure engagement of lightweight thin panels without compromising fastening reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the retainer structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the retainer lacks the complexity needed to securely engage thin panels
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into a body portion and tab portions that can be formed as integral structures. This segmentation allows the complex multi-surface engagement function to be achieved while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through potential one-piece forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer body and tabs work together as a unified multi-functional component: the body provides structural support and engages the rear surface, while the tabs extend to engage the front surface. This multi-functionality secures thin panels without requiring multiple separate components, maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A first example box nut retainer includes a support (102), a fastener sleeve (106) , and a wing (110). The fastener sleeve defines an opening (116) and extends downwardly from the support. The wing extends from the support and has a top corner between the support and the fastener sleeve.