Floor Mat Fastening Knob With Tactile Locking 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 attached to the carpet's peripheral portion, a knob assembly integrated with the fastener, and a second fastener attached to the floor mat, featuring a knob that turns from an unlocked to a locked position, providing a clear tactile feedback and enhanced holding force through elastic latching pawls and a tubular design that prevents play.
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 fastener body with a head portion and a fastening portion. The fastener can be inserted vertically and then rotated, rather than requiring complex perpendicular insertion and horizontal sliding operations. This segmentation allows for simpler, more intuitive operation while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the mat attachment part and carpet securing part are positioned at separated locations, then the fastening assembly can function, but the mat attaching operation becomes troublesome and the appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mat attachment part and carpet securing part are merged into a single integrated fastener structure. The fastener body simultaneously engages with both the floor mat and carpet, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations at different locations. This integration simplifies the attaching operation to a single vertical insertion and rotation action, while also improving appearance by consolidating visible components.
3Device complexity
If only an elastic latching pawl is used to join the mat attachment part with grommets, then the structure remains simple, but there is a danger of the mat attachment part pulling out
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the fastening portion can rotate relative to the head portion. This rotation transforms the static elastic latching pawl into a dynamic system that engages with a corresponding feature on the grommet, creating a positive lock that prevents pulling out while maintaining structural simplicity. The rotational movement allows the operator to feel clear feedback of the locking action.
4Strength
If the latching pawl is made thick to provide adequate strength, then the holding force increases, but great force is required in the joining operation making it difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener uses a rotational locking mechanism where the fastening portion rotates to engage with the grommet. This dynamic action allows a thinner, more flexible latching pawl to achieve adequate holding force through the mechanical advantage of rotation and engagement geometry, rather than relying on the pawl's thickness. The rotation provides clear tactile feedback to the operator, confirming proper engagement without requiring excessive force.
5Ease of operation
If the knob is designed to turn from unlocked to locked position with tactile feedback, then clear operational feedback is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knob assembly incorporates tactile feedback features such as engagement notches, detents, or friction elements that provide clear sensory feedback to the operator during rotation. As the knob turns from the unlocked to locked position, the operator can feel distinct changes in resistance or position, confirming proper engagement. This feedback mechanism uses simple geometric features rather than complex electronic or mechanical systems, maintaining device simplicity while achieving clear operational feedback.
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 and secure attachment of the floor mat to the carpet, prevents separation, and enhances the holding force of the attachment knob, ensuring a strong and reliable connection with clear operational feedback.
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.