Panel Fastener Beam Locking to Prevent Looseness and NVH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for vehicle panels fail to adequately address issues of loose panels, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), leading to increased warranty claims.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a first fastener with a hollow housing and a deformable beam that blocks the second fastener's separation, featuring a retention member and apertures configured for secure engagement and disengagement, allowing the beam to deform during assembly for secure attachment to a panel support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fastening systems are used to attach panels to support structures, then the basic fastening function is achieved, but the panels become loose and generate noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system incorporates a resilient beam that can dynamically deform during installation and then elastic recover to engage the retention member. This dynamic behavior allows the system to transition from a loose state during assembly to a secure locked state, eliminating panel looseness and associated NVH issues while maintaining the basic fastening function
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the second fastener and the beam structure. It provides a positive engagement mechanism that secures the fastener assembly to the support structure, preventing panel loosening and the resulting noise, vibration and harshness
2Reliability
If a secure fastening mechanism is implemented to prevent panel loosening, then NVH issues are reduced, but the fastening system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated components: the beam serves both as a structural support element and as a resilient engagement mechanism; the retention member combines features of both a fastener and a locking element. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while achieving secure fastener retention
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient beam automatically engages the retention member through elastic recovery after deformation during installation. This self-service mechanism secures the fastener without requiring additional locking actions or complex assembly procedures, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable retention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced retention and reduced disengagement of fasteners, addressing NVH issues and warranty claims by ensuring secure attachment of vehicle panels to support structures.
Implementation Method 1
the beam configured to deform during fastening of the second fastener to the first fastener
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fastening system comprising a second fastener fastened to a first fastener (10); the first fastener (10) comprising a hollow housing (12) having a side-wall (20) and a top-wall (22); a first aperture formed (26) in the side-wall (20) and in the top-wall (22) of the hollow housing (12), the first aperture (26) configured for entry of the second fastener during fastening of the second fastener and first fastener (10); a second aperture (40) formed in the side-wall (20) of the hollow housing (12); a beam (50) formed in the side-wall (20) between the first aperture (26) and the second aperture (40), the beam (50) attached at opposing ends to the side-wall (20); the beam (50) blocks the first aperture (26) to inhibit separation of the second fastener from the first fastener (10) through the first aperture (26); and the beam (50) is configured to be deformed during fastening of the second fastener to the first fastener (10).