Pin-Grommet Fastener With Dual-Offset Insertion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pin and grommet fasteners require precise central alignment of pins in both X and Y directions, limiting ease of insertion, especially when multiple pins are attached to one component and need to be inserted into corresponding grommets with potential offset positions, and in cases of blind positioning.
Innovation Solution
A pin and grommet fastener design featuring an inner housing with a pin retaining receptacle and entry ramps, along with a centering protrusion that allows movement between central and non-central positions in the Y-direction, enabling offset pin insertion while maintaining central alignment in the X-direction, facilitated by flexible or non-flexible components and centering blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pin is required to be centrally aligned in both X and Y directions with the pin receiving aperture, then the alignment precision is improved, but the ease of insertion is worsened due to the need for physical repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet incorporates an inner housing that can dynamically shift position relative to the outer housing in the Y-direction. The centering protrusion initially positions the pin retaining receptacle centrally, but allows the inner housing to move to accommodate offset pins during insertion, resolving the contradiction between initial alignment precision and ease of insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The centering protrusion acts as an intermediary element that provides initial central positioning of the pin retaining receptacle while allowing subsequent movement. It mediates between the requirement for central alignment and the need to accommodate offset insertion by enabling controlled displacement of the inner housing
2Measurement precision
If the pin retaining receptacle is fixed in central position, then the alignment precision is improved, but the adaptability is worsened for accommodating offset pins in both X and Y directions
Solution Approach 1:
The inner housing is designed to be movable relative to the outer housing in the Y-direction, transitioning from a fixed central position to an offset position during pin insertion. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain initial alignment precision while adapting to various pin offset positions
Solution Approach 2:
The grommet is segmented into an inner housing and an outer housing as separate movable components. This segmentation allows the inner housing to independently shift position within the outer housing, providing adaptability for offset pins while maintaining the overall structural integrity and initial central positioning
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple pins are attached to a first component in fixed positions, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to blind positioning and insertion challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The movable inner housing acts as an intermediary that compensates for positioning challenges during blind insertion. It provides initial central positioning guidance while allowing subsequent movement to accommodate pins inserted at offset positions, making blind positioning and insertion easier despite fixed pin attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The centering protrusion performs preliminary action by initially positioning the pin retaining receptacle in the central position before pin insertion. This preliminary central positioning facilitates easier blind insertion by providing a known starting position, while the subsequent movability accommodates the fixed offset positions of multiple pins
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
An inner housing (36) defines a pin retaining receptacle (40) elongated in an X-direction with entry ramps extending parallel to the X-direction. The inner housing (36) is slidably coupled to an outer housing and extends into an interior thereof. Centering protrusions (64) of one housing can engage the other housing to initially retain the pin retaining receptacle (40) of the inner housing in a central position within the interior of the outer housing in the Y-direction prior to insertion of the pin into the pin retaining receptacle. The other housing can be movable against the centering protrusion to permit the pin retaining receptacle of the inner housing to move out of the central position in the Y-direction in response to engagement of the pin against the entry ramps during insertion of the pin into the pin retaining receptacle.