Polygonal Tab Attachment Device Anti-Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment devices for coupling vehicle parts, such as grommets, face challenges in being both reliable and cost-effective while ensuring ease of use and preventing rotation and unintentional removal.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece molded attachment device with a nut member, flange member, and tabs, featuring polygonal abutment faces and toothed tabs, which securely engage with a hole in a plate and accommodate a threaded shank without protrusion, preventing rotation and ensuring reliable locking with minimal axial stroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional attachment devices are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability and anti-rotation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (nut member, flange member, tabs with anti-rotation features) into a single integrated attachment device. This one-piece construction eliminates the need for separate anti-rotation components, maintaining reliability while simplifying manufacturing and reducing assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fastening (nut member), support (flange member), anti-rotation (tab features), and positioning capabilities. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one device, improving reliability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional attachment devices are used, then ease of installation is maintained, but anti-rotation capability and secure locking deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into functional zones: the nut member for fastening, the flange member for support, and the tabs with specific features for anti-rotation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function optimally while maintaining overall ease of installation through the integrated one-piece construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device incorporates self-aligning and self-locking features through its geometric design. The polygonal outline and tab configurations automatically engage with corresponding features in the hole, providing anti-rotation capability without requiring additional adjustment steps or tools during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nut member is made longer to accommodate different screw types, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nut member is designed with a universal thread-engaging bore that can accommodate various screw types and lengths. The bore geometry is optimized to work with different fasteners without requiring multiple specialized nut designs, achieving versatility through a single standardized interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device achieves adaptability through parameter optimization rather than dimensional increases. The bore length and thread engagement dimensions are carefully selected to accommodate different screw types within a compact nut member length, using material properties and geometric optimization rather than simply making the component larger.
Data Source
AI summary
Attachment device comprising: a nut member (4) extending along an axis (A-A) and having an axial thread- engaging bore (12), a flange member (6) extending transversely to the axis (A-A) and having an opening (14), the flange member (6) being spaced axially from nut member (4), tabs (8) connecting the flange member (6) to the nut member (4), each tab (8) having a first end connected to the nut member (4) and a second end connected to the flange (6), wherein the nut member (4) comprises blocks (22) having abutment faces (24) defining a polygonal outline (C) with side faces (28), each tab (8) extending alongside an abutment face (24) on a side face (28).