Fastener Assembly With U-Shaped Insert for Tight-Space Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assembly methods for motor vehicles require parts to be aligned parallel to the rod, making the assembly process cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in tight spaces and for high-voltage electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly comprising a plastic element with a cut-out inlet and a metal insert with hooking means, allowing for parallel installation of the plastic element onto a metallic element with a rod, ensuring secure attachment without the need for special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolt-type fasteners with threaded rods and nuts are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional components: a rod element for positioning, a plastic element with integrated locking mechanism, and a metal insert with hooking means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling faster assembly while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal insert acts as an intermediary element between the rod and the plastic element. It provides hooking means that engage with the plastic element, eliminating the need for traditional nuts and washers, thereby simplifying the assembly process and increasing productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If parts are aligned parallel to the rod for assembly, then proper fitting is achieved, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome especially in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the plastic element to be aligned parallel to the rod, the invention inverts the approach by using the rod to define a perpendicular reference plane. The plastic element is then positioned perpendicular to the rod, with its fixing portion aligned with the rod's longitudinal direction, simplifying the assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod element is first secured to the metallic element, establishing a reference position and orientation. This preliminary action creates a guide structure that automatically ensures proper alignment of the plastic element, reducing the complexity of the subsequent assembly steps.
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used, then connection is achieved, but the plastic element may be crushed or deformed under tightening forces
Solution Approach 1:
The metal insert serves as a mediator that distributes the tightening forces. Its rigid structure and hooking means allow it to bear the mechanical loads without deforming the plastic element, while still providing secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system combines different materials (metal rod, plastic element, metal insert) to leverage the advantages of each. The metal components handle the high-strength fastening requirements, while the plastic element provides the necessary structural integration without being subjected to crushing forces.
4Reliability
If complex fastening systems are used to ensure reliability, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into integrated components. The plastic element combines the fixing portion with the locking means in a single piece. The metal insert combines the spacer function with the hooking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate nuts and washers, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod element serves multiple functions: it provides positioning, defines the reference plane, and acts as a guide for assembly. The plastic element simultaneously provides structural integration and incorporates the locking mechanism, reducing the total number of components needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A fastener assembly (1) comprising a metallic element (2), a rod (4) secured to the metallic element (2), a plastic element (5) fixed to the metallic element (2) with a metal insert (13) being essentially U-shaped, the insert (13) being inserted into an inlet (9) formed in the plastic element (5) and opened on an edge (8) of the plastic element (5), with the rod (4) placed in the inlet (9). A method for mounting the plastic element (5) on the metallic element (2), with the help of the metal insert (13).