Multi-Tab Push-On Fastener for Variable Stud Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push-on fasteners are limited in accommodating studs of different diameters or non-uniform diameters, requiring multiple fasteners for various diameters and often necessitating excessive force for installation or risking easy removal due to insufficient contact.
Innovation Solution
A push-on fastener design featuring a body with oppositely facing exterior surfaces and a central opening, incorporating first and second resilient tabs with engagement edges that deflect differently to securely engage studs of varying diameters, allowing for easy installation and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single fixed diameter gripping opening is used, then the fastener can be manufactured simply, but it can only accommodate studs of a single diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping opening is segmented into multiple resilient tabs (first resilient tab, second resilient tab, third resilient tab) with different deflection characteristics. Each tab can deflect independently to accommodate different stud diameters, allowing a single fastener design to fit multiple stud sizes without requiring multiple different fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tabs are designed with different deflection resistances to dynamically adapt to varying stud diameters. The first tab with higher deflection resistance engages first on larger diameter studs, while tabs with lower deflection resistance engage on smaller diameter studs, enabling the fastener to dynamically adjust its gripping configuration based on the actual stud diameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping opening diameter is made larger to accommodate larger studs, then larger studs can be fitted, but excessive force is required to push-on the fastener
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the gripping opening have different local qualities in terms of deflection resistance. The first resilient tab is designed with higher deflection resistance than the second and third tabs. This local differentiation allows the fastener to engage larger diameter studs without requiring excessive force, as the harder tab engages first to provide initial grip while softer tabs follow.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection resistance parameter of the resilient tabs is strategically varied to optimize installation force. By making the first tab less resilient (higher deflection resistance) and the other tabs more resilient (lower deflection resistance), the fastener achieves proper engagement on larger diameter studs with reduced installation force compared to a uniform design.
3Force
If the gripping opening diameter is made smaller to reduce installation force, then easier installation is achieved, but the fastener cannot accommodate larger diameter studs
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping opening is divided into multiple resilient tabs with progressively different deflection characteristics. This segmentation allows the fastener to present multiple engagement diameters simultaneously - the first tab engages at a larger effective diameter while the second and third tabs engage at smaller diameters, enabling accommodation of various stud sizes without requiring multiple fastener variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its effective gripping diameter based on the stud diameter. When installed on a larger diameter stud, the first resilient tab with higher deflection resistance engages first, providing the appropriate grip. When installed on a smaller diameter stud, the softer second and third tabs engage instead, maintaining proper contact without requiring excessive installation force.
4Device complexity
If conventional single-tab resilient fasteners are used, then the structure is simple, but the fastener can be easily stripped off the stud
Solution Approach 1:
The single resilient tab is segmented into multiple tabs (first, second, and third resilient tabs) with different deflection resistances. This segmentation creates multiple engagement points and distributed gripping forces along the gripping opening, significantly increasing resistance to stripping forces compared to a single-tab design, while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tabs are assigned different local qualities in terms of deflection resistance. The first resilient tab has higher deflection resistance providing stronger engagement, while the second and third tabs have lower deflection resistance providing additional contact points. This local differentiation creates a progressive engagement system that greatly enhances resistance to stripping forces.
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 secure engagement and easy installation on studs with different or non-uniform diameters, providing a strong and reliable locking mechanism without requiring multiple fasteners, while minimizing the force needed for installation.
Implementation Method 1
A first resilient tab includes a first engagement edge and a second resilient tab includes a second engagement edge. The first tab is less resistant to deflection than the second tab.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A push-on fastener (10) for engagement on a cylindrical stud (40) is disclosed. The push-on fastener (10) comprises a body (12) having oppositely facing first and second exterior surfaces (14,16) and an outer marginal periphery (15). A central opening (24) extends axially through the body (12) between the oppositely facing exterior surfaces (14,16) defining an inner periphery. A first resilient tab (26) includes a first engagement edge and a second resilient tab (27) includes a second engagement edge. The first engagement edge defining an inner periphery of the central opening (24) and the second engagement edge defining a periphery that is outwardly of the inner periphery of the central opening (24).