Pin and Grommet Fastener for Two-Directional Offset Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pin and grommet fasteners require central alignment of the pin in both X and Y directions, making them unsuitable for applications where multiple pins are fixed relative to each other or involve blind positioning, as they necessitate repositioning to facilitate insertion.
Innovation Solution
A pin and grommet fastener design that allows for significant offset in both X and Y directions through flexible or non-flexible protrusions and centering blades, enabling easy insertion by accommodating positional tolerances and blind coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pin and grommet fastener requires central alignment in both X and Y directions, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The inner housing is made flexible to dynamically adjust its position relative to the outer housing, allowing the pin retaining aperture to move and accommodate offset pins without requiring rigid central alignment, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the inner housing from rigid to flexible, enabling it to deform and accommodate pin offsets in both X and Y directions, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and ease of insertion
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pin and grommet fastener allows offset in one direction, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required repositioning in the other direction
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inner housing can dynamically adjust its position in both X and Y directions simultaneously, allowing pins offset in either or both directions to be inserted without repositioning, thus improving both adaptability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible inner housing provides universal accommodation for pins offset in any direction (X, Y, or both), making the fastener adaptable to various offset scenarios without requiring direction-specific adjustments or repositioning
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple pins are fixed in fixed positions relative to each other, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to accommodate positional tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inner housing can change its position and deformation state to accommodate pins at fixed positions with manufacturing tolerances, allowing insertion without requiring precise manual repositioning while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible inner housing dynamically adapts to the fixed pin positions by deforming to the appropriate degree, accommodating manufacturing tolerances automatically during insertion without requiring operator intervention for repositioning
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
Facilitates easy insertion of offset pins by allowing for relative movement between inner and outer housings, reducing package size and ensuring consistent positioning, even in cases of positional offsets, while maintaining a secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
The post may be flexible or non-flexible
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.