Perpendicular Insertion Fastener with Asymmetric Guide Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for attaching wiring harnesses to vehicle body panels are not stably attached due to the anchor being inserted obliquely, leading to insufficient load capacity, as the guide surface allows for smooth insertion but not stable retention.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design with a guide block and engagement strips that can only be inserted perpendicular to the panel surface, featuring elastically deformable connecting portions and receiving portions to control deformation and ensure stable engagement with the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a guide surface is formed in the pressure receiving block to enable smooth introduction, then the anchor can be smoothly introduced into the attaching hole even when obliquely inserted, but the fastener can be attached while the anchor is maintained in an inclined posture, resulting in insufficient load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide block is designed with an asymmetric planar shape that corresponds to the shape of the attaching hole. This asymmetric geometry allows the guide block to pass through the attaching hole only when the anchor axis is positioned substantially perpendicular to the panel surface, preventing oblique insertion while maintaining smooth introduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide block serves as an intermediary element between the anchor and the attaching hole. It mediates the insertion process by providing a planar surface that guides the anchor into the correct perpendicular position, ensuring both smooth introduction and proper alignment for stable attachment
2Reliability
If engagement strips are made elastically deformable to engage the periphery of the attaching hole, then the anchor can be retained in the attaching hole, but the connecting portion may deform excessively, reducing the shear surface of the engagement strip
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion is designed with specific elastic properties and dimensional parameters that allow controlled deformation. The receiving portion provides geometric constraints that limit the deformation parameter of the connecting portion, ensuring the engagement strip maintains sufficient shear surface while still achieving reliable retention
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement strip has non-uniform cross-sectional dimensions along its length, with the connecting portion having different dimensions than the engagement portion. This local quality variation allows the connecting portion to be more compliant for deformation while the engagement portion maintains sufficient strength and shear surface area
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
Prevents oblique insertion and ensures stable attachment with sufficient load capacity by allowing the guide block to pass through the hole only when aligned, maintaining engagement strip deformation control for constant shear surface engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one engagement strip is capable of passing through the attaching hole while being flexed inwardly
Implementation Method 2
The at least one engagement strip has an elastically deformable connecting portion connected to an inner surface of the guide block, so as to be flexed with respect to the pillar due to elastic deformation of the connecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener may include an anchor that is configured to be inserted into an attaching hole formed in a panel. The anchor includes a pillar, at least one engagement strip positioned in at least one side of the pillar, and a guide block formed in a distal end of the pillar and having a planar shape corresponding to a shape of the attaching hole. The at least one engagement strip is capable of passing through the attaching hole while being flexed inwardly and engaging a periphery of the attaching hole when the anchor is inserted into the attaching hole. The guide block is configured to pass through the attaching hole only when an axis of the anchor is positioned substantially perpendicular to a surface of the panel.