Pre-Assembled Fastening Cage and Pin for Hard-to-Reach Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices in the automotive sector face challenges in simplifying the assembly and locking of elements, particularly when one element is impractical to handle or the fixing area is difficult to access, due to the complexity of aligning openings for insertion.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a cage with a flexible clip and a pin, where the pin is coupled to the cage to transmit assembly force, allowing the cage to move from a pre-assembly to an assembly position, and decoupling from the cage to lock the clip in place, facilitated by guide elements and selective coupling means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fixing devices with openings are used, then the elements can be attached together, but the assembly process becomes complicated when one element is bulky or the fixing area is difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is retained to the first element in a pre-assembly position before the clip engages the openings. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the overall assembly process by establishing the cage location first, then allowing the clip to engage the openings without requiring precise simultaneous alignment of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device is divided into separate functional components: a cage that can be pre-positioned and retained to the first element, and a clip that engages the openings of both elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, simplifying the assembly process for bulky or hard-to-reach elements.
2Productivity
If the pin is coupled to the cage to transmit assembly force, then the cage can be moved to assembly position, but the pin must be decoupled to allow free movement for locking
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the pin and cage is dynamic rather than fixed. The pin can be coupled to transmit assembly force during positioning, then decoupled to allow free movement for locking. This dynamic coupling mechanism adapts to different operational phases, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling state between pin and cage changes based on operational requirements. During assembly force transmission, the pin is coupled to the cage; during locking, the pin is decoupled to move freely. This parameter change in coupling state allows the system to optimize performance for different functions without requiring a completely different mechanism.
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
Simplifies the assembly and locking process by allowing the device to be easily positioned and locked without requiring precise alignment of openings, making it suitable for bulky or hard-to-reach elements.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible clip fixed projecting from the first end of the main body, the flexible clip having two branches intended to engage through the openings of the first and second elements to, in an assembly position of the cage, retain the elements assembled to each other
Implementation Method 2
the cage is provided with guide elements to place it in the pre-assembly position and to move it into the assembly position; the guide elements are ribs and/or grooves
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fastening device (1) for an assembly comprising at least a first element and a second element, each element of the assembly having an opening for alignment with the other, comprising a cage (2) and a pin (3). The cage (2) includes a flexible protruding clip (21) having two arms (22) for engaging through the openings of the first and second elements to retain the elements assembled together; and means (25) for retaining the cage (2) to the first element. The pin (3) is disposed in the cage (2) and has a first end (30a) for receiving an external assembly force and a second end (30b). The device (1) also includes means (31) for selectively coupling the pin (3) and the cage (2).