Grommet Service Tab Assembly for Damage-Free Fastener Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing releasable fasteners for securing objects to automobile body panels often require contacting and rotating the fastener head, which can damage the fastener or the object, and applying force in the installation direction to release, potentially damaging the object or aperture.
Innovation Solution
A grommet design with a tubular body, deflectable legs, and a service tab assembly that includes tab extensions and a pull tab, allowing the legs to be inwardly deflected for release without requiring force in the installation direction, enabling easy removal without damaging the object or aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the head or flange of the fastener is contacted and rotated to displace and release the fastener, then the fastener can be released, but the flange and/or the object being secured can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A service tab assembly acts as an intermediary tool that interfaces with the fastener's legs internally through tab extensions. The pull tab extends through the flange to provide an external gripping surface, allowing the user to pull and deflect the legs inward without directly contacting or rotating the flange, thereby preventing damage to both the flange and the secured object
2Ease of operation
If a force or pressure from a tool is directed in the installation direction of the fastener to rotate the fastener for release, then the fastener can be released, but the object or the aperture can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying force in the installation direction (axially toward the object) to rotate the fastener for release, the service tab assembly applies force in the opposite direction by pulling the legs inward toward the central axis. This inward deflection mechanism releases the fastener without directing force toward the secured object or aperture, preventing damage
3Ease of operation
If the legs are deflectable toward the body longitudinal axis for release, then the fastener can be removed, but the object or panel may be damaged by the removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The service tab assembly serves as a mediator that enables controlled inward deflection of the legs through tab extensions connected to each leg. By pulling the pull tab, the user activates this intermediary mechanism to uniformly deflect all legs toward the central axis, allowing smooth removal without sudden movements or excessive force that could damage the panel or object
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
The grommet design allows for multiple installations and removals without damaging the object or panel, minimizing vibration and ensuring the fastener can be removed without applying force in the installation direction, thus protecting the fastener and panel from damage.
Implementation Method 1
Multiple legs extend integrally from the tubular body and are deflectable toward a body longitudinal axis. The pull tab when displaced in a release direction acts through the tab extensions to equally inwardly displace each of the legs toward the longitudinal axis.
Data Source
AI summary
A grommet has a tubular body with a bore coaxial to a body longitudinal axis. A flange is integrally connected to the body and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The bore extends through the flange. Multiple legs extend from the tubular body at a body end opposite to the flange. The legs are separated by an elongated slot permitting the legs to inwardly deflect from a non-deflected position toward the longitudinal axis by partially extending into the slot. A service tab assembly positioned in the central bore includes multiple tab extensions, each integrally connected to only one of the legs; and a pull tab positioned entirely in the bore in a non-extended position. The pull tab is connected only to the tab extensions and when displaced in a release direction acts through the tab extensions to equally inwardly displace the legs toward the longitudinal axis.