Panel Fastener Clip With Pre-Stressed Tabs for Low-Force Stud Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for panels on motor vehicle frames are tedious and time-consuming for operators, and they often require significant force to secure and lock the fastening clips around threaded studs.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a fastening part with claws and tension tabs that can be actuated between a fitting position and a tensioned fastening position, allowing for ergonomic and reproducible installation by reducing the force required for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional screwed-in fastening is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a fastening part with claws for engaging the stud thread, tension tabs for applying force, and an arming part for locking the tabs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling rapid one-part installation without tedious screwing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The arming part pre-positions and locks the tension tabs in a stressed state before the fastening operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that when the fastening part engages the stud, the tension is already applied, eliminating the need for operators to exert significant force during installation and enabling quick, reproducible fastening.
2Productivity
If one-part clips are used to avoid rotating bolts, then fastening time is reduced, but significant force is required to fasten and lock the clips
Solution Approach 1:
The arming part acts as an intermediary mechanism that stores and releases mechanical energy. It includes locking means that hold the tension tabs in a pre-stressed position, allowing the fastening part to engage the stud with minimal operator force. The arming part mediates between the operator's small input force and the large tension force required for secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension tabs are designed to automatically apply tension to the base when released from the arming part. The elastic deformation of the tabs generates the tensioning force against the base without requiring continuous operator input, making the system self-servicing after initial engagement.
3Reliability
If tensioning force depends on operator installation force, then simple mechanism is used, but reproducible fastening cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical state of the tension tabs from unstressed to pre-stressed through the arming mechanism. By controlling the tab deflection and locking position, the system standardizes the tensioning force parameter, ensuring reproducible fastening results regardless of variations in operator strength or technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The arming part includes locking means that provide mechanical feedback to ensure the tension tabs are properly positioned and locked in the stressed state. This feedback mechanism ensures that each fastening operation applies the correct amount of tension, achieving consistency and reliability across multiple installations.
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 enables efficient and reproducible fastening of panels to vehicle frames, reducing operator effort and ensuring consistent tensioning force, while also allowing for easy removal and pre-assembly on panels.
Implementation Method 1
two tension tabs protruding from two opposite second edges of the base distinct from the first edges, the tension tabs being elastically deformable between a free position wherein the base is not flat and a stressed position wherein the base is flat
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a fastening system (1) comprising a fastening part (2) and an arming part (11), the fastening system (1) can be actuated between a fitting position around the stud (34) wherein the arming part (11) holds four tabs (7, 9) of a fastening part (2) in the stressed position thereof, and a position of tensioned fastening to the stud (34) wherein the arming part (11) is connected to the fastening part (2) when the four tabs (7, 9) are in the free position.