Resilient Fastener With Locking Tabs For Withdrawal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners used to connect articles with support structures, such as vehicle instrument panels, face challenges in minimizing space usage and resisting withdrawal forces, leading to potential disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a clamp arm and base with locking tabs and a resilient connector section, which deflects to engage the article securely, providing resistance to withdrawal forces through camming action and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the fastener is designed to take up minimal space on the instrument panel, then the space efficiency is improved, but the ability to resist withdrawal force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener transitions from a two-dimensional planar mounting surface to a three-dimensional engagement by forming locking tabs that extend into openings in the article. This dimensional transition allows the fastener to occupy minimal space on the instrument panel while generating substantial withdrawal resistance through the interlocking tabs that must be pulled through the openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tabs are nested within openings in the article, with the tabs extending into these openings to form an interlocking connection. This nesting arrangement allows the fastener to resist withdrawal forces through the engaged tabs while maintaining a compact profile on the instrument panel surface.
2Ease of operation
If the fastener uses a resilient clamp arm design, then the ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arm is designed with resilient properties, allowing it to dynamically deflect during installation and then maintain a clamping force on the article. This dynamic behavior enables the fastener to be easily installed by simply inserting the article through the opening, while the resilient arm automatically engages and secures the article without requiring additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient clamp arm provides self-service by automatically engaging the article upon insertion. The arm's elasticity causes it to deflect during installation and then return to its original position, creating a self-locking effect that secures the article without requiring external intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 fastener effectively secures articles to support structures while minimizing space usage and resisting withdrawal forces, ensuring reliable attachment and preventing unintended disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient connector section which deflects to engage the article securely, providing resistance to withdrawal forces through camming action
Implementation Method 2
providing resistance to withdrawal forces through camming action
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener includes a clamp arm which is connected with a base. The clamp arm cooperates with the base to form an entrance into which an article extends. A first locking tab extends from the base into a first opening in the article. A second locking tab extends from the clamp arm into a second opening in the article. When a withdrawal force is applied to the fastener, an arcuate portion of an inner side surface of the clamp arm moves from a position spaced from an outer side surface of the article to a position in which the arcuate portion of the inner side surface of the clamp arm is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer side surface of the article.