Elastically Deformable Fastener for Vibration-Damping Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening elements often transfer vibrations and oscillations between components, are cumbersome to install, and may require clip or snap connections, which are inefficient and difficult to implement in high volumes.
Innovation Solution
A fastening element with an elastically deformable body and an elongated actuating member that allows for easy installation by elongating the body to fit into an opening and then expanding to form a secure connection, providing vibration damping and sound insulation, and can be manufactured using multi-component injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fastening element is designed for clip connection or snap connection, then installation is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and difficult to implement in high volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element utilizes dynamic elastic deformation of the body to transition between inserted and expanded states. The body is elastically deformable, allowing it to be compressed during insertion and then expand automatically to create the form-fit connection, enabling fast and automated installation without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the fastening element by applying compressive force to reduce its outer diameter for insertion, then releasing the force to allow elastic recovery and expansion. This parameter change (dimensional transformation through elastic deformation) enables simple push-through installation followed by automatic locking
2Strength
If a rigid fastening element is used to fasten components, then structural strength is achieved, but vibrations and oscillations are transferred between components
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element exploits elastic deformation characteristics, transitioning from a rigid state that transfers vibrations to a flexible elastic state that absorbs vibrations. The body's elastic properties allow it to deform under vibrational loads rather than transmitting them directly, while maintaining the form-fit connection for structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful rigid connection that transfers vibrations into a beneficial elastic connection that absorbs vibrations. The elastic deformability of the body transforms vibrational energy into elastic potential energy, dissipating it harmlessly while maintaining the fastening function
3Length of moving object
If the body outer diameter is reduced to fit through openings, then insertion is enabled, but the connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element dynamically changes its outer diameter through elastic deformation. During insertion, the body is compressed to a smaller diameter to pass through the opening. After insertion, the compressive force is released and the body automatically expands to its original larger diameter, creating a strong form-fit connection without requiring additional fastening mechanisms
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 fastening element offers a simple, robust, and efficient connection that can be installed easily, reduces vibration transfer, and provides insulation and shock absorption, while also allowing for automated installation.
Implementation Method 1
The body is configured to be elongated by moving the actuating member further into the body and applying a corresponding load onto the body. Further, the body is configured to elastically deform back by moving the actuating member further out of the body and releasing the load applied thereto.
Implementation Method 2
Due to the elastic body, i.e., the elastically deformable body, the fastening element may also serve for vibration damping, shock absorbing, sound insulation, heat insulation, or the like.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening element for fastening a first component to a second component. The fastening element includes an elastically deformable body and an elongated actuating member. The actuating member is movably guided relative to the body to be selectively movable further into or further out of the body. The body is configured to be elongated by moving the actuating member further into the body and applying a corresponding load onto the body and to elastically deform back by moving the actuating member further out of the body and releasing the load applied thereto. Further, the body is configured to have a smaller outer diameter when correspondingly elongated than when non-elongated and/or deformed back.