Pivoting Fastener Assembly Integrating Magnet and Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel-mounting fastener assemblies for vehicles are complex and resource-intensive due to multiple separate components, complicating manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting fastener assembly with a magnet-carrier assembly and base member, where the magnet is attached to a carrier member and over-molded with a base member to create a unified, pivotable unit that securely attaches to a vehicle support backing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components are used to manufacture the fastener assembly, then each component can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base member and magnet into a single integrated fastener assembly. The base member includes a recess that receives and secures the magnet, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for these components. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each functional element independently during the design phase.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are assembled mechanically, then flexibility in manufacturing is maintained, but assembly time and resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base member and magnet are formed as a single integrated component, eliminating mechanical assembly steps. The magnet is positioned within a recess of the base member and secured through integration, reducing assembly time and resource expenditure while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through mold design variations.
3Device complexity
If a unified integrated structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability for different mounting configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly includes a pivoting mechanism that allows the magnet-carrier assembly to rotate relative to the base member. This dynamic feature enables the fastener to adapt to different mounting configurations and panel angles while maintaining a simplified integrated structure. The pivoting capability provides mounting flexibility without requiring multiple different fastener designs.
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
Simplifies manufacturing and assembly by integrating components, enabling secure and adjustable attachment of panels to vehicle support structures with reduced complexity and resource use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet disposed in the trough and adapted to connect with the support backing of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
causing mold material to flow into a mold in which the magnet-carrier assembly in situated so that, when the mold material is cooled, the magnet-carrier assembly becomes fixed to and/or retained by the head of the pivoting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting fastener assembly for securely fastening a panel in spaced relation to a support backing, and a method of manufacturing the same. The fastener assembly includes: a magnet-carrier assembly that includes a magnet that is fixed to a carrier member; and a base member that includes a base portion and a pivoting portion. The pivoting portion includes a head, a trunk, and an extension portion that is connected to the base portion. The extension portion includes a top side that connects a first peripheral surface to a second peripheral surface of the extension portion. A first end of the trunk is connected to the top side of the extension portion and a second end of the trunk is connected to the head. The base member is a unitary piece, and the head of the pivoting portion engages and retains the carrier member of the magnet-carrier assembly.