Modular Retainer Clip Assembly for Multi-Thread Fastener Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spring-loaded fastening components are limited in their compatibility with different fastener types due to specific thread types, restricting versatility and adaptability in fastening applications across industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece modular retainer assembly that allows for the use of various nuts with different threads, sizes, and materials, featuring a retainer clip with a nut recess and anti-rotation features to securely engage and retain nut inserts, enabling compatibility with multiple fastener types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-thread-type retainer design is used, then the fastening system is simple to manufacture, but it lacks compatibility with different fastener types
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two separate components: a carrier and a nut insert. The carrier provides the external threading that engages with the fastener shank, while the nut insert provides the internal threading that receives the fastener. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables interchangeability of nut inserts to accommodate different fastener types.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of nut inserts with different internal thread specifications. This allows a single carrier design to serve multiple fastening applications by simply changing the nut insert, achieving multi-functionality without redesigning the entire retainer assembly.
2Ease of operation
If an internally threaded bore is used, then rear access to the fastening point is eliminated, but compatibility with different fastener types is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the external threading function (in the carrier) from the internal threading function (in the nut insert), the design maintains the accessibility advantage of internal threading while enabling compatibility with various fastener types through interchangeable nut inserts with different thread specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut insert acts as an intermediary component between the carrier and the fastener. It translates the universal carrier interface into specific thread types required by different fasteners, enabling compatibility while maintaining the simplified installation process provided by the externally threaded carrier.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a modular retainer assembly for attaching a first component having a first opening relative to a second component having a second opening. The modular retainer assembly includes a nut insert and a stamped-metal retainer clip. The nut insert includes a collar and a flange where the collar defines a bore that engages a shank of a fastener. The stamped-metal retainer clip includes a nut recess that receives and retains the nut insert. The stamped-metal retainer clip includes first planar portion and a second planar portion that are resiliently connected via a bend to define a channel, a nut base plate resiliently connected to the first planar portion and extending into the channel, and a tongue resiliently coupled to the first planar portion and configured to secure a least a portion of the nut insert between the tongue and the base plate, wherein the tongue comprises a tongue opening configured to receive a portion of the collar.