Floor Mat Fastening Assembly With Rotating Knob Lock Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening assemblies for securing floor mats to carpets in automobiles are cumbersome to use, require significant force for secure attachment, and often result in a less-than-secure hold, with operators struggling to feel a clear indication of the securing operation's completion.
Innovation Solution
A fastening assembly comprising a first fastener with carpet grommets and a knob assembly that allows easy attachment and secure locking of the floor mat to the carpet, featuring a knob that turns from an unlocked to a locked position, providing a tactile feedback and enhanced holding force through elastic latching pawls and a tubular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a male fastener is inserted perpendicular into a female fastener and then slid horizontally to secure a floor mat, then the floor mat can be secured to the floor panel, but the securing operation becomes troublesome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening assembly is divided into separate components: a first fastener with a shank and head that attaches to the floor panel, and a second fastener with a latching pawl that attaches to the floor mat. These segments are connected through a simple insertion and latching motion rather than complex perpendicular insertion and sliding, resolving the contradiction between securing reliability and operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting the fastener perpendicular to the floor panel and then sliding it horizontally (conventional approach), the invention inverts the sequence and direction: the shank is inserted through the floor panel vertically, and the latching pawl engages with a simple downward or lateral motion, eliminating the need for complex perpendicular insertion followed by horizontal sliding
2Reliability
If the mat attachment part and carpet securing part are positioned at separated locations, then the fastening assembly can secure the floor mat, but the mat attaching operation becomes troublesome and the appearance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the attachment functions into a single integrated fastening assembly where the shank and head form one unit that attaches to the floor panel, and the latching pawl is part of the same assembly that secures the floor mat. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate attachment operations at different locations, improving both ease of operation and appearance while maintaining securing reliability
3Strength
If the latching pawl is made thick to provide adequate strength and prevent pulling out, then the holding force is sufficient, but great force is required for the joining operation making it difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latching pawl is designed with dynamic characteristics, incorporating elastic elements that allow it to flex and deform during the joining operation. This dynamic design enables the pawl to be inserted and engaged with minimal force, then maintains strong holding capability once latched, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the latching pawl by incorporating elastic materials and designing variable cross-sections. The pawl can be thin and flexible during insertion (requiring minimal force) but provides adequate strength when engaged, utilizing material property changes to resolve the contradiction between strength requirements and operational ease
4Reliability
If a pair of eye-holes with grommets is used to hold the floor mat, then the mat attachment part can be secured, but only an elastic latching pawl joins it with the grommets creating a danger of pulling out
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic grommet and eye-hole configuration that required additional latching mechanisms. Instead, the shank directly attaches to the floor panel and the latching pawl directly secures the floor mat, removing the intermediate grommet components that created weakness in the joining system and improving both reliability and strength
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
Facilitates easy operation, prevents separation of the floor mat after attachment, enhances the holding force of the attachment knob, and provides a satisfying tactile feedback when securing is complete, ensuring a secure and user-friendly attachment process.
Implementation Method 1
elastic latching pawls
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening assembly for securing a floor mat to a carpet in a vehicle includes a first fastener that is attached to the carpet, a knob that is attached to the first fastener, and a second fastener that is attached to a floor mat. A knob base is integrally provided in a first carpet grommet of the first fastener. The knob comprises a knob shank that is coupled to be able to turn about its axis inside the knob base between an unlocked position and a locked position. The knob base includes projections which fit into and mate with channels in knob coupling latching pawls of the knob base; thus, the knob holding force is enhanced, and a clicking sensation confirms completion of the attachment operation.