Quarter Turn Fastener for Underbody Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The automotive industry faces inefficiencies and high costs in using multi-component fasteners for underbody shielding, which are time-consuming to install and prone to mishandling, especially during servicing and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A quarter turn fastener is introduced, which is a one-piece, manually operated fastener that eliminates the need for tools and ensures proper orientation and secure connection without the complexity of multiple components, featuring a main head, turn tab, pedestal, deflectable legs, and a flexible head for easy installation and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-component fasteners (nuts and bolts) are used for underbody shielding, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastener components (head, shaft, and fastening elements) into a single integrated quarter-turn fastener. This merging eliminates the need for separate nuts and bolts, reducing assembly steps while maintaining secure connection through the integrated deflectable legs that engage with the shield panel and vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed with segmented functional elements including a deflectable leg for engagement, a rigid leg for structural support, and a turn tab for manual operation. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently during the quarter-turn installation process.
2Strength
If multi-component fasteners are used, then connection strength is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the head, shaft, fastening legs, and operation mechanism into a single monolithic fastener component. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating multiple separate parts while maintaining connection strength through the engineered deflectable and rigid leg structure that distributes mechanical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener component performs multiple functions: the head provides structural support, the deflectable leg provides engagement and clamping force, the rigid leg provides structural integrity, and the turn tab provides the operating mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while achieving secure fastening.
3Reliability
If standard fasteners are used, then connection is achieved, but handling efficiency decreases due to mishandling and loss
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all fastening elements into a single piece, the patent eliminates the need to handle and coordinate multiple separate components. The integrated design ensures that the fastener cannot be lost or misplaced during assembly, as it is a single unit that is either properly installed or remains intact for reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable leg automatically engages with the shield panel and vehicle body during the quarter-turn operation, providing self-aligning and self-securing functionality. This reduces the skill level and care required during installation compared to traditional multi-component fasteners that require precise coordination of multiple parts.
4Reliability
If multiple component fasteners are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple discrete fastener components into a single molded or machined piece. This merging reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, inventory, and assemble multiple separate components (nuts, bolts, washers, etc.), while maintaining attachment security through the integrated fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fastener component is designed to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate parts: the head provides structural support, the deflectable leg provides engagement force, the rigid leg provides structural integrity, and the turn tab provides operation. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A quarter turn fastener includes a deflectable head and part in assembly legs for securing the fastener in a subassembly with one component positioned between the deflectable head and the part in assembly legs. Cooperating lock arms on the fastener and lock ribs on the component secure the fastener against unintended rotation for loosening. Stop ribs on the component limit the distance the fastener can be rotated. Main body legs are provided for securing a second component with the subassembly. Cooperating structures of the fastener and the components limit the fastener to rotate only in the lock direction from the unlocked position and in the unlock direction from the locked position.