Integrated Bolt Clip Assembly for Wire Harness Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems in automotive and industrial applications require additional components like clips, bolts, and nuts to secure wire harnesses and hoses, leading to increased weight, complexity, and costs.
Innovation Solution
A low profile bolt/clip assembly that integrates a retaining clip with a fastener, featuring a shank with a threaded portion and a head region with a cavity and radially inwardly extending retaining rim, allowing the bolt head to serve as a multi-functional component for securing wire harnesses and hoses without additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional clips and fasteners are used to secure wire harnesses and hoses, then the securing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastener and retaining clip into a single integrated assembly. The fastener includes an integrated retaining clip that is formed as one piece with the fastener body, eliminating the need for separate clips and fasteners. This merging reduces component count and assembly complexity while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both fastening (through threads and head) and retaining (through the integrated clip with anchor feature). This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If additional clips and fasteners are used to secure wire harnesses and hoses, then the securing reliability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fastener and retaining clip into a single integrated assembly, the total material used is reduced compared to using separate components. This consolidation eliminates redundant materials and reduces the overall weight of the fastening system while maintaining securing reliability.
3Reliability
If additional clips and fasteners are used to secure wire harnesses and hoses, then the securing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fastener and retaining clip assembly reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the supply chain and manufacturing process, reducing overall manufacturing costs despite maintaining reliable securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional fastener design allows a single component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require multiple specialized components. This reduces inventory requirements and manufacturing complexity, leading to cost savings.
4Device complexity
If a multi-functional fastener head is designed to receive retaining clip, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design combines the fastener and retaining clip into a single molded or machined piece. This integration reduces the number of interfaces and assembly steps, lowering overall device complexity even though the single component requires precise manufacturing to ensure proper fit and function.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system includes a fastener having a shank with a threaded portion and a head region disposed at an end of the shank and defining a retaining cavity in an end thereof. A clip includes a base region snap fit in the retaining cavity of the fastener and an anchor region for anchoring a wire harness, hose, cable sheath or other component.