Rotating Floor Mat Clip Assembly for Secure Tool-Free Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor mat fasteners fail to balance securing the mat at its intended location with easy removal and reattachment, often requiring tools or cumbersome procedures, and are not economically efficient for vehicle manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A floor mat clip assembly comprising a base and top member with interlocking mechanisms, including bosses and detents, that securely attach the mat to the flooring material while allowing easy removal and reattachment, and can be economically manufactured using injection molding with materials like Polyamide 6.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing floor mat fasteners are used to secure the mat at its intended location, then the mat is held in position, but the fasteners require tools or cumbersome procedures for removal and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a floor clip assembly with base and top members that remain permanently installed, and removable mat clips that attach to the floor clips. This segmentation allows the permanent anchoring function to be separated from the removable attachment function, enabling easy mat removal while maintaining secure positioning when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member in the top member is designed to be rotatable, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element allows the fastener to switch between securing the mat firmly and allowing easy removal, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If existing floor mat fasteners are used to secure the mat, then the mat is held in position, but the fasteners are not economically efficient for vehicle manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into single components to reduce part count. The base member and top member form an integrated floor clip assembly, and the mat clip combines the locking mechanism with the attachment structure. This merging reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable mat securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent and aperture mechanisms are designed to self-lock without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. The detent automatically engages with the aperture when the mat clip is installed, and the rotatable locking member provides self-contained security, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.
3Reliability
If existing floor mat fasteners are used, then the mat can be secured, but the fasteners either do not adequately secure the floor mat or require tools for disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable locking member provides a simple dynamic mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states with manual rotation, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure attachment when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical fastening systems of prior art are replaced with a simplified detent-aperture locking mechanism combined with a rotatable locking member, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate securing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.