Plastic Panel Fastener With Flexible Ribs for Low Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening techniques for automotive components, particularly those involving metal panels, often require metal fasteners due to durability concerns with plastic fasteners, limiting the use of cost-effective and easily manufactured plastic fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A plastic fastener system designed with a flexible rib profile and ergonomic design, allowing for low insertion force and high separation force, which can be used with metal components without compromising durability, featuring a U-shaped body with hingeable arms and a tapered end for secure attachment and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal fasteners are used with metal panels, then durability and resistance to damage is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and mechanical parameters of plastic fasteners by incorporating metal-reinforced ribs with specific geometric configurations (thickness, spacing, orientation) to enhance strength and durability while maintaining the cost advantages of plastic manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener employs a composite structure combining plastic body material with metal reinforcement elements (ribs), creating a hybrid component that leverages the corrosion resistance and manufacturing ease of plastic with the strength and durability of metal
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic fasteners are used, then manufacturing cost and ease of production is improved, but durability and resistance to metal panel damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener body is segmented into multiple functional ribs with distinct roles: some ribs provide structural support and strength, while others are designed for flexibility and engagement, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates flexible ribs that can dynamically adjust during installation and service, bending and deforming to accommodate panel variations while maintaining secure engagement, and recovering their shape to sustain holding force
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used, then structural integrity is ensured, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is pre-configured with formed ribs and engagement features during manufacturing, eliminating the need for现场 assembly steps such as bending, shaping, or additional fastening operations, thereby accelerating assembly while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design enables self-alignment and self-securing through its geometric features, where the ribs automatically engage with panel openings and lock into position without requiring external tools or complex alignment procedures
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective fastening of metal panels using plastic fasteners, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing assembly efficiency while maintaining structural integrity and ease of disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
the first plastic fastener material can prevent damage from impact when the second component is mounted onto the fastener
Implementation Method 2
A plastic fastener system designed with a flexible rib profile and ergonomic design, allowing for low insertion force
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fastener for coupling a first component to a second component. The fastener comprising a body portion, a bridge, and a shank portion. The body portion comprising a plurality of ribs arranged to form a U-bend. Each of the plurality of ribs defines a profile designed to regulate at least an insertion force of the fastener. The profile can be curved. The bridge connecting the plurality of ribs to each other at the U-bend. The shank portion extends from the body portion and includes a plurality of arms. Each arm is cantilevered at a free end of a rib from among the plurality of ribs and extends therefrom in a direction away from the body portion to be hingeable about the arm. The rib profile can be curved between the U-bend and shank portion.