Hidden Fastener Load Carrier Assembly for Water-Sealed Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carriers face challenges in aesthetics, water ingress prevention, and recyclability, with complex manufacturing processes and potential compromise of integrity when adding decorations or features.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier system featuring a fastener with a hidden configuration that securely attaches elements without tools, using a snap-lock mechanism and breakable connections for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for adhesives and enhancing aesthetic appeal while preventing water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives are used to attach elements to the load carrier, then the attachment is strong and secure, but the recyclability of components is compromised and the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a fastener with a stem and base, an element with a receptacle, and a load carrier with an opening. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled without adhesives, enabling both strong attachment and easy disassembly for recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates a sealing element at the interface between the base and the load carrier opening. This localized sealing feature provides the necessary waterproofing and attachment strength only where needed, without requiring adhesives across the entire attachment surface, thus maintaining strength while simplifying manufacturing.
2Shape
If decorations or additional features are attached to the load carrier, then aesthetic variations are achieved, but the integrity and water resistance of the load carrier is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed to be attached in a hidden configuration where the stem extends through an opening in the load carrier and the base is received within a receptacle of the element. The sealing element nests at the interface between the base and the opening, creating a waterproof seal that prevents water ingress while allowing aesthetic elements to be attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is positioned locally at the critical interface between the fastener base and the load carrier opening. This localized sealing ensures water resistance is maintained at the attachment point without compromising the overall integrity of the load carrier, even when additional aesthetic features are present.
3Ease of operation
If visible fasteners are used to attach elements, then the attachment function is clear and simple, but the aesthetic appearance of the load carrier is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted and concealed within the structure. The stem extends through the load carrier opening and the base is received in the element receptacle, positioning the fastening mechanism in a hidden configuration between the element and load carrier. This extracts the functional fastener from visible view while maintaining its attachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener components are nested within the structure: the stem passes through the opening and the base is nested within the receptacle. This nesting arrangement conceals the fastening mechanism, making it invisible from the exterior while preserving the clear attachment function through the snap-lock engagement.
4Reliability
If complex manufacturing processes are used to attach elements, then the attachment strength and water resistance are improved, but the time required for assembly increases and recyclability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a resilient stem that automatically engages with the load carrier opening through a snap-lock mechanism. The element with its receptacle self-aligns and snaps into place on the fastener base without requiring tools or complex manufacturing processes. This self-service attachment provides reliable connection while minimizing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into independent components that can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple snap-lock engagement. The fastener, element, and load carrier are distinct segments that connect through the resilient stem and receptacle interface, eliminating the need for time-consuming adhesive application or complex assembly procedures while maintaining attachment reliability.
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 simple and efficient attachment of elements, reduces environmental impact through recyclability, and improves the load carrier's appearance by hiding fasteners, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
the stem being configured to be resiliently lockingly engaged in an opening in the load carrier
Implementation Method 2
The base is configured to be bonded to an element in a track by means of an adhesive material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~8
AI summary
A load carrier (100) comprising an element (200) and a fastener (300) configured for forming an attachment for securing the element (200) to the load carrier (100), wherein each fastener (300) is configured to be attached to the load carrier (100) in a hidden configuration in relation to the element (200) and the load carrier (100), and wherein the fastener (300) is configured to be attached to the load carrier (100) before the element (200) is attached to the fastener (300) or wherein the fastener (300) is configured to be attached to the element (200) before being attached to the load carrier (100) and a method (1000) for attaching an element (200) to a load carrier (100).