Panel Fastening System with Deformable Beam for NVH Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle panel fastening systems fail to adequately address issues of loose panels, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues, 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 second fastener to be securely attached to both the first fastener and the panel support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used to couple panels to support structures, then basic attachment is achieved, but panels become loose and generate NVH issues
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system incorporates a resilient beam that can dynamically deform during installation and then elastically recover to engage the retention member, creating a self-adjusting mechanism that ensures reliable panel attachment while eliminating NVH issues through consistent retention force
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member acts as an intermediary element between the fastener body and the panel, providing a positive engagement mechanism that prevents panel loosening and eliminates the harmful NVH effects through mechanical interlocking
2Reliability
If additional retention features are added to existing fasteners, then panel security improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is merged directly into the fastener body as an integrated retention member formed as part of the fastener housing, eliminating the need for separate retention components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced panel security
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing, contains the resilient beam for installation, and incorporates the retention member for secure panel attachment, reducing the need for additional specialized components
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 effectively secures vehicle panels, reducing NVH issues and warranty claims by providing a robust and reliable attachment mechanism that can be molded directly into the panel, eliminating the need for additional retention features.
Implementation Method 1
the beam configured to deform during fastening of the second fastener to the first fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system comprising a second fastener fastened to a first fastener; the first fastener comprising a hollow housing having a side-wall and a top-wall; a first aperture formed in the side-wall and in the top-wall of the hollow housing, the first aperture configured for entry of the second fastener during fastening of the second fastener and first fastener; a second aperture formed in the side-wall of the hollow housing; a beam formed in the side-wall between the first aperture and the second aperture, the beam attached at opposing ends to the side-wall; the beam blocks the first aperture to inhibit separation of the second fastener from the first fastener through the first aperture; and the beam is configured to be deformed during fastening of the second fastener to the first fastener.