Plastic Part Fastening Assembly for Tool-Free Car Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting plastic parts in the car industry, such as screw connections, require tools and precision, and may not ensure a reliable non-detachable connection without the need for complex movements or separate fastening elements.
Innovation Solution
A non-detachable connection assembly using pairs of complementary fastening elements with protruding and recessed portions, where one element is rigidly connected to each part, allowing for secure engagement without tools, ensuring correct relative positioning through specific geometric shapes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screw connections are used to connect plastic parts, then the connection is detachable and can be assembled/disassembled, but the process requires special screwdriving tools, precise alignment, and separate fastening elements that increase device complexity and assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function directly into the plastic parts themselves by integrating complementary geometric features (protrusions and recesses) into the part structures. This eliminates the need for separate screw fasteners and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to connect and disconnect parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate screw fasteners and embeds it directly into the plastic parts through integrated geometric features. This removes the need for external fastening elements and simplifies the overall assembly structure.
2Ease of operation
If hook-like elements are used for connection without screws, then the need for screw connections is eliminated, but the connection reliability is compromised and the assembly requires movement in two mutually perpendicular directions which is not always possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometric features where protrusions on one part complement recesses on another part in a specific orientation. This asymmetric design ensures reliable connection in a single direction while preventing incorrect assembly, eliminating the need for complex two-directional movements required by hook-like elements.
3Ease of operation
If pins and complementary holes are used to define relative position, then the operator does not have to worry about holding parts together, but separate fastening elements must be inserted before screwing which increases assembly steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning and fastening functions into a single integrated geometric feature system. The complementary protrusions and recesses simultaneously define the relative position of parts and provide the fastening mechanism, eliminating the need for separate positioning pins and subsequent screwing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for non-detachable connection of plastic parts for a car is provided. The assembly includes at least one set of pairs of complementary fastening elements. One element from each pair is rigidly connected to a first part, and a second element from the same pair is rigidly connected to a second part. The second element is at least partially inserted into the first element from the same pair. One element from each pair includes a protruding portion and a slot dividing the protruding portion into at least two segments. A second element from the same pair includes a recessed portion and a partition extending into the recessed portion. In each pair, the protruding portion is inserted into the recessed portion and the partition is inserted into the slot. The fastening elements further include protrusions and recesses for mutual engagement and connection of the parts to be connected.