Composite Retaining-Arm Fastener for Repeated Panel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening techniques for automotive components, such as vehicle body trim panels and frames, are inefficient and lack reliability, particularly when multiple insertions and disconnections are required.
Innovation Solution
A fastener composed of a main body and a retaining member, where the main body is made of a first material (e.g., plastic) and the retaining member is made of a more wear-resistant second material (e.g., metal), with a design that limits axial and radial movements to securely connect components through a retaining mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fastener is made of a single material, then manufacturing is simple, but wear resistance is insufficient for multiple insertions and disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener combines a plastic main body with a metal retaining member, creating a composite structure where each material contributes its superior properties: the plastic provides ease of manufacture and corrosion resistance, while the metal provides wear resistance for the retaining arms that undergo repeated insertion and disconnection cycles
2Reliability
If the retaining member is made of wear-resistant material, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate components: a plastic main body and a metal retaining member. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using the most suitable process for its material and function, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high wear resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic main body and metal retaining member are combined into a single fastener assembly through cooperative design, where the retaining member is received by the main body. This merging creates a unified fastening system that leverages the advantages of both materials without requiring complex integrated manufacturing processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fastener allows multiple insertions and disconnections, then versatility improves, but connection reliability deteriorates due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener applies local quality by concentrating the wear-resistant metal material specifically in the retaining arms, which are the only components that contact the hole during insertion and disconnection. The rest of the fastener body remains plastic, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring the critical wear zones have superior durability for repeated use
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a fastener for fastening a first component in a second component having a circular hole. The fastener includes a main body and a retaining member. The main body includes a head for connecting the first component and a shaft portion extending from the head. The retaining member includes a receiving barrel and a plurality of retaining arms. The shaft portion passes through and is connected to the receiving barrel to limit the axial and radial movements of the retaining member along the shaft portion relative to the main body. The plurality of retaining arms extend upwardly from the receiving barrel and are distributed about the central axis of the receiving barrel. The plurality of retaining arms are deflectable towards the shaft portion. The plurality of retaining arms are located between the shaft portion and a hole and abut against the hole to retain the second component between the head and the plurality of retaining arms when the retaining member is inserted into the hole. The main body is made of a first material, and the retaining member is made of a second material that is more wear-resistant than the first material.