Foam-Embedded Fastening Pieces for Stable Detachable Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic components with fastening pieces struggle to provide a stable and detachable connection in soft substrates, especially in applications requiring miniaturization and vibration isolation, such as motor vehicle paneling, where traditional attachment methods are inadequate for secure and repeatable engagement.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoplastic plastic fastening elements with ball heads and sockets, embedded in soft foam substrates, allows for form-fitting and frictional engagement, enabling multiple detachments and reattachments with stable anchoring through projections and grooves, and adaptable anchoring depths for varying substrate weights and elastic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment methods are used in soft substrates, then installation is simple, but the connection stability and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening piece is divided into distinct functional segments: a ball head for form-fitting engagement, an anchoring element with projections and grooves for substrate integration, and a connecting region. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring element is nested within the fastening piece structure, with projections and grooves integrated into the body. The ball head is positioned at one end while the anchoring element extends into the substrate, creating a nested configuration that maximizes connection stability without adding external complexity
2Reliability
If fastening pieces are designed for secure anchoring in soft foam, then connection stability improves, but the size increases preventing miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening piece exhibits local quality variations: the ball head region provides form-fitting engagement with high local stability, while the anchoring element features projections and grooves that locally interact with the foam substrate. This localized functionality achieves secure anchoring without requiring overall size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The ball head is spheroidal in shape, allowing form-fitting engagement in a compact geometry. The curved surface enables effective connection with minimal volume, and the spherical form naturally distributes stresses to enhance anchoring stability without increasing dimensions
3Strength
If fastening pieces are made rigid for stable connection, then connection strength improves, but vibration isolation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties and geometric parameters of the fastening piece are optimized to balance strength and vibration isolation. The ball head diameter, anchoring element dimensions, and projection/groove configurations are specifically designed to provide adequate connection strength while allowing controlled elastic deformation for vibration damping
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening piece combines different material characteristics: a rigid ball head for form-fitting engagement and strength, with an anchoring element designed to interact elastically with the soft foam substrate. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of connection strength and vibration isolation
4Adaptability or versatility
If fastening pieces are designed for multiple detachments, then reusability improves, but connection stability during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening piece incorporates dynamic characteristics through its elastic materials and geometric design. The ball head and anchoring element can elastically deform during attachment and detachment cycles, allowing repeated operations while maintaining stable connection during the fastened state. The dynamic response enables both reusability and connection stability
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
This solution provides a stable mechanical connection, effective vibration isolation, and compact design suitable for miniaturized applications, ensuring secure attachment and detachment without damage, while maintaining thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
the ball head and the ball socket can thus be attached to each other with form-fitting and/or non-positive, frictional engagement... The segments of the ball socket and/or ball head divided by the slits are elastically deformed as the ball head is being connected to the ball socket
Implementation Method 2
the ball head and the ball socket can thus be attached to each other with form-fitting and/or non-positive, frictional engagement
Implementation Method 3
Both the fastening piece and the complementarily formed other fastening piece each have an anchoring element and these elements are embodied so that the fastening element is embedded in the plastic substrate and can be affixed in this substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic component with a substrate including a plastic and at least one first fastening piece that is embodied for a form-fitting engagement with a complementarily formed second fastening piece and has at least one anchoring element embedded and fixed in a position in the substrate; the substrate includes soft foam with a weight per unit volume of 120 kg/m3 to 300 kg/m3 and a Shore A hardness of 5 to 100 and the fastening element includes a thermoplastic plastic.