Elastic Fastener With V-Shaped Clamp For Adjustable Part Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for fixing two parts together, particularly in the automotive industry, face issues with assembly and disassembly due to varying clearances, leading to imperfect fits and difficulties in adjusting parts relative to each other.
Innovation Solution
An elastic fastener with a V-shape and a clamp-like intermediate portion, featuring lateral wings with attachment means and harpoon-shaped cutouts, allows for adjustable engagement of projecting parts by elastic clipping, ensuring secure attachment and alignment of parts through snap-fastening mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid fastening systems are used to fix two parts together, then structural strength is ensured, but assembly adjustment and accommodation of clearance variations are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener uses elastic material properties to change its physical state, allowing it to deform and adapt to different assembly clearances while maintaining fastening strength through elastic recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that can adapt its shape during assembly and disassembly, enabling adjustment while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If elastic fasteners with fixed geometry are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adjustment of parts during assembly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: an intermediate portion for receiving the first part, lateral wings for engaging the second part, and harpoon-shaped cutouts for positioning, allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material allows the fastener to dynamically adjust its shape during assembly, enabling the lateral wings to engage at different positions and the harpoon-shaped cutouts to accommodate varying clearances
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachment points are provided for adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener structure is segmented into functional zones with each segment providing specific attachment capabilities through its geometric features rather than adding separate adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural strength, enabling adjustment through deformation, and maintaining fastening force through elastic recovery, reducing the need for separate adjustment 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 solution enables precise adjustment and secure attachment of parts, accommodating assembly play and ensuring consistent fit, while allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly with retained fastener positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a system for fixing two parts to each other comprising an elastic fastener
Data Source
AI summary
The system has a hard point clearance hooking unit for hooking symmetric lateral wings (6, 7). The hooking unit has a mounting unit for mounting a V shaped elastic fastener (1) on an edge of a part (13) by elastic dent, for more or less deeply engaging projection parts (12a, 12b) of a part (12) in an intermediate portion (2) of the elastic fastener, during the mounting of the elastic fastener, to adjust the assembling of the parts with respect to each other. The intermediate portion is in a form of a clamp piece with two arms (3, 4), and is formed by de-cut and deformation of a sheet blank.