Panel Fastener Locking Stem 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 resistance to pulling off 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
1Strength
If a crash clip is used to provide resistance to pulling off, then crash resistance is improved, but additional components like doghouses are required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crash clip function and the tension provision function into a single integrated fastening device. The male member with impact retention stem provides crash resistance while the same stem engages with the locking member to provide tension, eliminating the need for separate doghouse components.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact retention stem serves multiple functions: it provides crash resistance by retaining the male member during impact, and simultaneously provides tension by engaging with the locking member. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate components.
2Force
If additional components like doghouses are added to provide tension, then tension capability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tension provision function into the existing crash clip structure. The locking member with clamping member integrates the tension mechanism within the same assembly area, simplifying the assembly process by reducing the number of separate components to be installed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simplified assembly process is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the number of required components may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves simplified assembly by merging multiple functions into fewer components. The integrated design of the male member with impact retention stem and the locking member with clamping member reduces the total component count while maintaining both crash resistance and tension capabilities.
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 solution enhances crash resistance and provides tension between the door panel and the door assembly with a simplified assembly process, reducing the number of required components and improving the structural integrity.
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
AI summary
A fastening device includes a male member having a head portion at a proximal end along a first central axis, an impact retention stem protruding from the head portion along the first central axis towards a distal end, and a tooth portion. A female member, having a first cavity, extends along a second central axis to guidingly receive the impact retention stem, a periphery of the female member having a lip portion extending towards the second central axis and adapted to lockably engage with the tooth portion, and a second cavity, extending perpendicular to and intersecting the second central axis. A locking member is configured to be guidingly received by the second cavity and is adapted to retainingly receive the impact retention stem and provide a biasing force along the first central axis towards the head portion in cooperation with the tooth portion when operably engaged with the lip portion.