Panel Fastener Locking Clip for Crash Resistance and Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for panels in automotive vehicles, such as crash clips, require additional components like doghouses to provide both crash resistance and tension, which complicates the assembly and increases the number of parts needed.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a male member with an impact retention stem and a female member with a locking mechanism, including an elastically deformable clamping member and a release recess, that provides both crash resistance and tension between the panel and the wall, eliminating the need for additional components like doghouses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crash clip with U-shaped retaining means is used to provide crash resistance, then the panel can be held to the wall during shock, but an additional doghouse is required which complicates the assembly and increases the number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crash clip function and the tensioning function into a single integrated fastening device. The male member includes both the impact retention stem for crash resistance and the tooth portion for tensioning engagement with the lip portion, eliminating the need for separate doghouse components.
Solution Approach 2:
The male member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides crash resistance through the impact retention stem while simultaneously providing tensioning capability through the tooth portion that engages with the lip portion. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate specialized components.
2Reliability
If separate components are used for crash resistance and tensioning, then each function can be optimized independently, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the crash resistance mechanism and tensioning mechanism into a single male member that can be installed in one operation. The integrated design allows both functions to be achieved simultaneously during a single assembly process, improving productivity while maintaining functional performance.
3Force
If an elastically deformable clamping member is used to provide biasing force, then the fastening device can maintain tension, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastically deformable clamping member that changes its physical state (deformation) to provide the biasing force. The elastic deformation of the clamping member creates the necessary force while maintaining a relatively simple structural design, as the force generation is achieved through material property rather than complex mechanical means.
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 device offers enhanced crash resistance and tensioning capabilities while simplifying the assembly process by integrating the necessary components into a single, efficient system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable clamping member, provided substantially centrally along a longitudinal axis and adapted to retainingly receive said impact retention stem
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A fastening device for fastening a panel to a wall. The fastening device including a male member. The male member having a head portion provided at a proximal end along a first central axis and an impact retention stem protruding from said head portion along said first central axis towards a distal end. The male member further comprising at least one tooth portion extending away from said first central axis of said head portion. The fastening device further including a female member, comprising a first cavity, extending in a direction along a second central axis and adapted to guidingly receive said impact retention stem, a periphery of said female member having at least one lip portion extending towards said second central axis and adapted to lockably engage with said tooth portion, and a second cavity, extending in a direction perpendicular to and intersecting with said second central axis. The fastening device also including a locking member, configured to be guidingly received by said second cavity and adapted to retainingly receive said impact retention stem and provide a biasing force along said first central axis towards said head portion in cooperation with said tooth portion when operably engaged with said lip portion.