Push-On Component Retainer for Ergonomic Threaded Panel Mounting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for retaining threaded components on panels, such as vehicle dashboards, are ergonomically challenging and require complex, repetitive motions, particularly in confined environments.

Innovation Solution

A component retainer with an annular-shaped body and orthogonally extending engagement tabs, featuring retaining teeth, is used to securely hold threaded components without the need for threaded nuts, utilizing a flexible and resilient material to accommodate thread patterns and facilitate easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded nuts are used to retain components on panels, then reliable retention is achieved, but installation becomes ergonomically challenging and requires complex repetitive motions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent retentionVSAvoidinstallation ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded nut mechanical fastening system with a push-on retainer that uses elastic deformation and friction. The retainer body is inserted through the panel opening and expanded against the component flange, eliminating the need for threading operations and complex installation motions while maintaining reliable retention through frictional engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer utilizes changes in the physical state of the material through elastic deformation. The retainer body is made of elastomeric material that can be compressed during insertion and then expands to engage with the component flange, changing its dimensional parameters dynamically during installation to achieve secure retention without threaded fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure retention is achieved, but installation time increases due to complex motions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent retentionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded nut mechanical fastening system with a push-on retainer that uses elastic deformation and friction. The retainer body is inserted through the panel opening and expanded against the component flange, eliminating the need for threading operations and complex installation motions while maintaining reliable retention through frictional engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer is pre-formed from elastomeric material with built-in expansion capability. During installation, the preliminary elastic deformation capacity is activated as the retainer is pushed onto the component, allowing rapid engagement without requiring multiple adjustment or tightening steps, thus reducing installation time while ensuring secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If rigid fasteners are used, then strong retention force is achieved, but adaptability to different thread patterns is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention forceVSAvoidthread pattern accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer utilizes changes in the physical state of the material through elastic deformation. The retainer body is made of elastomeric material that can be compressed during insertion and then expands to engage with the component flange, changing its dimensional parameters dynamically during installation to achieve secure retention without threaded fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer is constructed from elastomeric material that provides flexibility and conformability. This flexible structure allows the retainer to adapt to various component flange geometries and sizes while maintaining strong retention force through elastic expansion and frictional engagement, eliminating the need for rigid threaded fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The component retainer provides ergonomic and easy installation of threaded components by engaging with thread nadirs, reducing rattling and movement, and allowing for secure retention without additional mechanical fasteners.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a flexible and resilient material to accommodate thread patterns and facilitate easy installation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12485759B2Component retainer

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

A component retainer, wherein the retainer comprises an annular-shaped body defining a central aperture, and a plurality of engagement tabs extending substantially orthogonally from the annular-shaped body. Each engagement tab comprises an engagement tab body and a retaining tooth integrally formed with the engagement tab body and extending radially inward toward a center of the central aperture.