Deformable Tab Anti-Ejection Fastening Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing assemblies for vehicle components, such as switches and control panels, risk ejection into the passenger compartment during impacts, posing a safety hazard due to incomplete prevention of ejection and potential breakage.
Innovation Solution
A fixing assembly featuring a deformable anti-ejection tongue and rib system that cooperates to maintain the first part in a fixed position during impacts, preventing ejection while allowing easy installation and removal without breaking, utilizing a snap-fastening mechanism with latching tabs and orifices, and an elastically deformable tongue that facilitates insertion and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tab is designed to butt against a surface of the second part to prevent ejection, then the risk of ejection is reduced, but the first piece can still be completely detached and ejected during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt during assembly by deforming to pass through the opening and then returning to its original position to engage with the rib. During impact, the tab can deform to allow relative movement between parts while maintaining connection, preventing complete ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional elements: the deformable tab for assembly and impact absorption, the rib for retention and positioning, and the opening for insertion. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a system.
2Strength
If the tab is made rigid to prevent breaking during impact, then structural strength is improved, but the tab cannot deform to allow easy insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tab's physical parameters are optimized by controlling its thickness and material properties to achieve the desired elastic deformation characteristics. The tab is made thin enough to deform elastically during assembly and impact, yet maintains sufficient structural integrity through proper material selection and geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastically deformable element that can absorb impact energy through deformation while maintaining connection. This dynamic behavior allows the tab to flex during insertion, engage with the rib, and deform during impact without breaking.
3Reliability
If additional parts are added to improve anti-ejection function, then ejection prevention is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-ejection function is merged into the existing tab structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. The tab's elastic deformation capability and its engagement with the rib combine to provide both assembly facilitation and impact protection in a single integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab serves multiple functions: it facilitates assembly by deforming to pass through the opening, provides retention by engaging with the rib in the fixed position, and prevents ejection by maintaining connection during impact through elastic deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated anti-ejection parts.
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 assembly effectively prevents the ejection of components during vehicle impacts, ensuring passenger safety while allowing for easy installation and removal, with a compact design that does not require additional parts for the anti-ejection function, maintaining a retaining force sufficient to prevent ejection forces.
Implementation Method 1
The tab (36) is elastically deformable with respect to the main body (18)
Implementation Method 2
The stop element (44), for example, has a prism shape with a triangular base. The stop element (44) includes a beveled face.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening assembly (12) for fastening at least two parts (14, 16) together, the assembly (12) comprising a first part (14) and a second part (16) defining a receiving opening (24) for the first part (14). The first part (14) comprises a tab (36), the tab (36) being elastically deformable relative to the main body (18) and comprising a stop element (44). The second part (16) comprises a rib (72). The first part (14) is movable between the fixing position in which the first part (14) is positioned in the receiving opening (24) and the rib (72) is away from the stop member (44) of the tongue (36), and a retaining position in which the first part (14) is arranged in projection relative to the second part (16), the rib (72) being in abutment against the stop member (44).