Multi-Wing Snap-Fit Fastener for Variable Housing Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snap fit fasteners are limited by their fixed shape and size, making them incompatible with changes in housing configurations due to replacement or deformation, and are prone to failure if wings are damaged, leading to frequent replacement and potential loosening or falling of assembled objects.
Innovation Solution
A snap fit fastener design featuring multiple groups of wings with varying lengths and protrusions, allowing secure fitting into different thicknesses of housings and enhanced grip through outwardly disposed protrusions, which can be arranged in various configurations to accommodate diverse housing dimensions and prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional snap fit fasteners use fixed shape and size wings, then they can be manufactured simply, but they cannot accommodate changes in housing configurations or thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple groups of wings (first group, second group, etc.) with different lengths, where each group can independently engage with housing features at different depths or positions. This segmentation allows the fastener to adapt to various housing configurations without requiring a completely different design for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design incorporates multiple groups of wings that can serve different functions - some wings engage with the housing while others may engage with internal features or provide structural support. This multi-functionality allows a single fastener design to work across multiple housing configurations and thickness variations.
2Reliability
If snap fit fasteners have only two or a few wings at corners, then they are simple to manufacture, but they are prone to failure if wings are damaged and cannot securely hold the object
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure is segmented into multiple groups distributed around the fastener body, rather than concentrating all engagement points at corners. This distribution ensures that if one or two wings are damaged, other wings remain functional and can maintain the secure holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates redundant wings as a form of prior cushioning against failure. By having more wings than the minimum required for basic function, the system builds in a safety margin that protects against wing damage, ensuring continued reliable operation even when some wings fail.
3Adaptability or versatility
If snap fit fasteners use identical wings for all positions, then they are easy to manufacture, but they cannot accommodate different thicknesses or configurations of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
Different groups of wings are designed with different lengths and configurations tailored to their specific engagement requirements. Rather than using identical wings everywhere, each wing group is optimized for its local function - some wings are longer for deeper engagement, others are shorter for surface-level engagement, allowing accommodation of varying housing thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener employs asymmetric wing configurations where wings in different groups have different lengths, shapes, or orientations. This asymmetry allows the fastener to engage with non-uniform housing features and accommodate thickness variations, while the asymmetric design can still be manufactured using standard molding techniques.
4Reliability
If snap fit fasteners have wings with identical length, then they provide consistent engagement, but they cannot prevent rotation or provide enhanced grip in diverse configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Different groups of wings are configured with different lengths and orientations to create an asymmetric engagement pattern. This asymmetry prevents rotation by ensuring that the fastener can only engage in one specific orientation, while also providing enhanced grip through varied engagement depths and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing configuration extends engagement beyond a single plane or dimension by distributing wings in multiple groups at different positions and depths. This multi-dimensional engagement approach prevents detachment and rotation by creating a three-point or multi-point engagement system that constrains movement in multiple directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A snap fit fastener may include a head, a first group of wings, and a second group of wings. The first group of wings may be disposed axially around a center axis of the head, each of the first group of wings has a first length, and includes a first end connected to the head and a second end opposing the first end. The second group of wings may be disposed axially around the center axis of the head, each of the second group of wings has a second length, and includes a first end connected to the head and a second end opposing the first end. The first length may be different from the second length. A snap fit fastener with at least two groups of protrusions for fitting multiple heights is also disclosed.