Embedded Force-Limiting Insert for Plastic Fastener Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing force-limiting arrangements for fastening elements are structurally complex and offer insufficient support, requiring separate procurement, storage, and mounting of fastening elements, which increases complexity and time during the mounting process.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement where a force-limiting element is embedded within a plastic component during injection molding, incorporating a retention device that protrudes into the force-limiting element, allowing the fastening element to be premounted and securely retained, reducing the need for separate fastening elements and simplifying the mounting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a force-limiting arrangement is used to limit compressive forces during fastening, then the fastening process is controlled, but the structural complexity increases and support for the arrangement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce controlVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force-limiting element is integrated directly into the plastic component through injection molding, merging two previously separate elements (force-limiting device and plastic component) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate force-limiting arrangements while maintaining force control functionality, thereby reducing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as the force-limiting element, and includes an integrated retention device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms and force-limiting devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fastening elements are procured and mounted separately, then flexibility is maintained, but mounting time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening flexibilityVSAvoidmounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retention device is pre-integrated into the plastic component during injection molding, creating a pre-assembled structure ready to receive the fastening element. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate procurement and mounting steps, significantly reducing mounting time while maintaining the flexibility to use standard fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the retention device protrudes into the force-limiting element, then support and retention are improved, but the injection molding process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention supportVSAvoidinjection molding complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retention device is formed by modifying the geometry of the plastic component during injection molding, specifically by creating a protrusion that extends into the force-limiting element's interior. This geometric parameter change provides strong retention support while remaining compatible with standard injection molding processes, avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a stable and efficient method for introducing force from a fastening element into a plastic component, reducing mounting time and complexity by embedding the force-limiting element and retention device during injection molding, resulting in a solid and sealing connection.

Implementation Method 1

embedding the force-limiting element into the plastic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Data Source

PatentUS11319983B2Arrangement for introducing a force from a fastening element into a plastic component and method for producing the arrangement

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 ECO HLDG 1 GMBH

AI summary

An arrangement configured to introduce a force from a fastening element into a plastic component, the arrangement including a force-limiting element that is embedded in the plastic component; wherein the fastening element is configured to fasten the plastic component at a body; wherein the fastening element is insertable through the force-limiting element, and wherein the plastic component includes a retention device which protrudes at least partially into an interior of the force-limiting element so that the fastening element that is inserted into the force-limiting element is retained in the force limiting element.