Integrated Plastic Fastener Molding for Automotive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for plastic components in automotive vehicles require separate metal fasteners and torque limiters to prevent damage, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fastener system where the component portion, linking platform, and securing means are molded as one piece, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and torque limiters, with a locking mechanism to secure the plastic component to an automotive component without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate metal fasteners and torque limiters are used to secure plastic components, then the securing strength is improved, but the device complexity and risk of plastic damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the component housing, linking platform, and securing means into a single integrated fastener molded as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate metal fasteners and torque limiters, reducing device complexity while maintaining securing strength through the integrated design where the securing means is built into the plastic component itself
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fastener uses a composite structure combining plastic housing with embedded securing features. The securing means is molded into the plastic component, creating a composite fastening system that eliminates the need for separate metal fasteners while maintaining adequate securing strength for automotive applications
2Strength
If separate metal fasteners are used to secure plastic components, then the securing means is improved, but the risk of plastic crushing and creep increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the securing means with the plastic component housing into a single integrated fastener, the patent eliminates the need for separate metal fasteners that could crush or damage the plastic. The integrated design ensures the securing features are built into the plastic itself, preventing the harmful effects of metal fastener compression on plastic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal fasteners to integrated plastic securing means. This parameter change eliminates the hardness and compressive force issues associated with metal fasteners on plastic, while the molded-in design of the securing means provides adequate holding strength without the risk of plastic crushing or creep
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for fastening, then the securing function is improved, but the manufacturing efficiency and assembly time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening components (housing, linking platform, securing means) into a single integrated fastener molded as one piece. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components, significantly improving assembly efficiency and productivity while maintaining fastening reliability through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means is pre-formed and molded into the component housing during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to install fasteners, improving productivity while ensuring the securing function is built into the component itself, maintaining reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated fastener 10, 110 comprises a component portion 12, 112 including a component housing surrounding a component 13, 113, a linking platform 21, 121 molded extending from the component portion. A securing means 14, 114 is capable of being received within a receptacle 24, 124 defined by the linking platform and is designed to be received within an aperture 25, 125 defined by an automotive component 22, 122. The securing means is capable of securing the component portion to the automotive component. The component portion, the linking platform, and the securing means are molded as one piece.