Vehicle Housing Self-Mounting Hook Retainer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing housing designs for electrical components in vehicles require metal nuts and studs for securing to a panel, resulting in high costs, weight, and the need for an assembly tool, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A housing with a self-mounting feature that includes a base with a hook and a slideable retainer, allowing for secure attachment to a panel without the need for metal nuts and studs, using a hook and blocker mechanism to lock the housing in place, which can be engaged and disengaged manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal nuts and studs are used to secure the housing to the vehicle, then the housing can be securely attached, but the cost, weight, and need for assembly tools increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates a self-mounting mechanism where the retainer engages with the panel through a snap-fit action, allowing the housing to secure itself without requiring external assembly tools. The retainer features an engaged position that automatically locks the housing to the panel, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is merged into the housing structure itself through the integration of the base and retainer components. Rather than using separate metal fasteners, the housing body incorporates the mounting mechanism directly, combining the structural support and attachment functions into a unified plastic assembly.
2Reliability
If metal nuts and studs are used to secure the housing, then secure attachment is achieved, but weight and piece cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter is changed from metal to plastic for both the housing body and mounting components. This parameter change reduces the weight while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength through the engineered snap-fit engagement between the retainer and panel, eliminating the need for heavy metal fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic retainer and housing components are designed as cost-effective, lightweight alternatives to expensive metal fasteners. The plastic components can be molded in high volumes at low cost and are sufficient for the intended application lifecycle, replacing costly metal nuts and studs.
3Reliability
If traditional metal fasteners are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but accessibility to the back side of the panel is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is inverted from the traditional approach where fasteners are applied from the back side of the panel. Instead, the retainer engages with the panel from the front side, allowing installation and maintenance operations to be performed without accessing the back side of the panel. The blocker portion prevents the retainer from disengaging, providing secure mounting from the accessible front side.
Data Source
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AI summary
A housing (10) with a self-mounting feature is provided. The housing (10) includes a base (16) that is configured to define a hook (20) that cooperates with a back side of a panel (14) and a first edge (24) of an opening (26) of the panel (14) to secure the housing (10) to a front side of the panel (14). The housing (10) further includes a retainer (30) that is operable to an un-engaged position (32) and an engaged position (34). The retainer (30) is configured to define a blocker portion (36) that cooperates with a second edge (38) of the opening (26) to keep the hook (20) adjacent to the first edge (24) when the retainer (30) is in the engaged position (34).