Resilient Fastener With Retention Finger For Side Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assemblies are prone to accidental removal and disengagement due to side loads, leading to an insecure connection between parts.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly featuring a resilient retention finger with a protrusion that engages a hole in a rib attachment, providing a secure connection by resisting disengagement forces and ensuring the fastener remains attached even when a panel is removed, along with legs that fit over the rib attachment's side edges to prevent side loads from dislodging the fastener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple clip structure with retaining tabs is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to accidental removal and side load disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: the resilient retention finger that engages with the panel aperture, the support structure with legs that engage with the rib attachment, and the base that provides mounting. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in preventing specific failure modes, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention finger features an asymmetric T-shaped cross-section with a peak and tapered sides, creating a geometric lock that prevents removal in the removal direction while allowing installation. The protrusion on the retention finger also creates an asymmetric engagement with the rib attachment hole, preventing rotational disengagement.
2Device complexity
If retaining tabs fit into a single aperture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates as the clip may inadvertently be removed when the panel is removed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the retention tabs passively held by the panel aperture, the invention inverts the relationship by having the resilient retention finger actively engage the panel aperture while being mechanically locked by the protrusion-rib attachment hole interface. The resilient nature allows insertion, but the geometric lock prevents removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention finger utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter, transitioning from a flexible state during installation to a locked state during service. The resilient material properties enable the finger to deflect during panel insertion and then maintain a locked position, changing the mechanical state from movable to fixed.
3Ease of manufacture
If the clip is open at its sides, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as side loads may cause disengagement from the blade fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure extends in multiple dimensions with legs projecting laterally to engage with the rib attachment's side edges. This multi-dimensional engagement creates a three-point contact system (retention finger for axial load, legs for lateral stability) that resists side loads while maintaining manufacturability through simple extruded geometry.
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 fastener assembly provides a more reliable and secure connection between parts, resisting accidental removal and side loads, ensuring a stable assembly and preventing rattling or movement.
Implementation Method 1
The retention finger may be resilient
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener including a base and a support part extending from the base. The support part includes two legs and an end portion; the two legs extend from the base and are connected to one another by the end portion. A retention finger is located between the legs of the support, a first end of the retention finger being attached to the base and a second end of the retention finger being attached to the end portion of the support. The retention finger extends outwardly to a peak and tapers inwardly from the peak towards the first and second ends.