Panel Fixing Assembly With Self-Centering Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing solutions struggle with accommodating varying tolerances in hole sizes and panel thicknesses, leading to poor alignment and increased manufacturing complexity, as they are often designed for specific sizes and require tight tolerances to function effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering fixing with resiliently deformable retaining arms and legs that allow lateral movement within a hole, enabling secure attachment to panels with varying sizes and tolerances, and accommodating different fastener types through a combination of tapered profiles, arcuate designs, and chamfered surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixing is designed for a particular hole size and panel thickness, then the fixing can be securely attached to the panel, but the fixing cannot accommodate variations in hole size and panel thickness tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing incorporates resiliently deformable legs that can dynamically adjust their position and deformation degree to accommodate variations in hole size and panel thickness. The legs deform laterally during insertion and can deform by at least 2mm to adapt to different hole dimensions, allowing the fixing to self-adjust rather than requiring precise pre-defined dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing design allows for parameter changes in the form of variable leg deformation (at least 2mm), tapered retaining arm profiles, and adjustable body positioning within the hole. These parameter variations enable the same fixing to accommodate a range of hole sizes and panel thicknesses without requiring multiple fixed-size components.
2Ease of operation
If the fixing uses rigid retaining arms and legs, then the fixing provides strong retention strength, but the fixing cannot move laterally within the hole to accommodate misaligned fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining arms and legs are designed with resiliently deformable properties, allowing them to dynamically change their rigidity state. During lateral movement or insertion, they deform flexibly to accommodate misalignment, while in the final secured position, they maintain sufficient rigidity to provide strong retention strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing employs flexible resiliently deformable legs and retaining arms that can bend and deform laterally. These flexible elements can deform by at least 2mm to allow body movement within the hole, yet maintain enough structural integrity to secure the fixing firmly to the panel once positioned.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fixings with different specifications are used to accommodate different hole sizes, then each fixing can be optimized for its specific size, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing design achieves universality by incorporating resiliently deformable legs and tapered retaining arms that can adapt to multiple hole sizes and panel thicknesses. A single fixing design with adjustable deformation capability (at least 2mm) can serve multiple functions across different applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixing types.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic deformation capability of the legs and retaining arms allows one fixing design to function across a range of hole sizes. The fixing can adjust its effective dimensions through controlled deformation, providing an optimized fit for various hole sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size 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 solution provides increased flexibility in fixing placement with ±2mm tolerance, allowing the same fixing to be used across multiple hole sizes and ensuring secure retention with reduced manufacturing complexity and increased retention strength.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable leg extending from a distal position on the body towards the head and configured, in use, to abut an inner surface of the hole and biased to urge the fixing away from the inner surface. Upon application of a lateral force to the fixing, the leg is configured to deform to allow the body to move laterally within the hole.
Implementation Method 2
a resiliently deformable retaining arm configured to deform upon insertion of the body into a hole of a panel, such that, in use, the head and the retaining arm abut opposed first and second sides of the panel so as to secure the fixing to the panel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A fixing 100 comprising: a head 105; a body 12 extending from the head 105 to a distal end 122 along a first axis. The fixing 100 further comprises a resiliently deformable retaining arm 135 configured to deform upon insertion of the body 120 into a hole 14 of a panel 10, such that, in use, the head and the retaining arm abut opposed first and second sides of the panel so as to secure the fixing to the panel, and a resiliently deformable leg 130 extending from the body 120 and configured, in use, to abut an inner surface 16 of the hole 14 and biased to urge the fixing 100 away from the inner surface 16.. Upon application of a lateral force to the fixing 100, the leg 130 is configured to deform to allow the body 120 to move laterally within the hole 14.