Resilient Rib Fastener for Tool-Free Automatic Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners require manual rotation and tools for locking engagement, which is time-consuming and costly in vehicle assembly, and are not adaptable to varying component thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring resilient ribs that apply rotational bias upon insertion, allowing automatic locking without external torque and accommodating different thicknesses through varying recessed surfaces, with a sealing member for enhanced engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual rotation and tools are used for locking engagement, then reliable locking is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener automatically rotates into its locked position through the elastic deformation and recovery of resilient ribs, without requiring external manual rotation or tools. The resilient ribs store elastic energy during insertion and release it to drive the rotation, making the system self-servicing
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient ribs are pre-configured with specific geometric shapes and material properties that enable them to store elastic energy during the insertion process. This preliminary energy storage allows the fastener to automatically complete the rotation and locking action without external intervention
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed geometry fasteners are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different thicknesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the fastener have different geometric characteristics - the resilient ribs have elastic properties for automatic rotation, while the head and body have specific shapes for accommodating varying thicknesses. This local differentiation allows the single fastener design to adapt to multiple thickness requirements
3Extent of automation
If resilient ribs with rotational bias are used, then automatic locking is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient ribs function as flexible elastic elements within the fastener structure. These flexible features enable automatic rotation through elastic deformation and recovery, achieving automation without complex mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient ribs have curved or non-linear geometric profiles that enable elastic deformation during insertion and recovery. This curvature allows the ribs to store and release elastic energy, driving the automatic rotation into the locked position
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 tool-free, efficient assembly by automatically rotating into locking position with audible confirmation and accommodates various panel thicknesses, reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least two resilient ribs, protruding radially outward from an outer surface of said central body portion, adapted to rotatingly bias said central body portion about said central axis when operably engaged with the mounting hole of the second component
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for coupling a first component to a mounting hole of a second component. The fastener includes a central body portion, a head portion, provided at the proximal end of the central body portion. The fastener has at least two resilient ribs, protruding radially outward from an outer surface of the central body portion. The fastener includes at least a first pair of diametrically opposed recessed surfaces, provided at the proximal end of the central body and extending axially between the head portion and a respective shoulder portion formed by each one of the first pair of recessed surfaces. The at least two resilient ribs extend along the outer surface of the central body portion in a direction along the central axis between the distal end and the proximal end, and axially past the respective shoulder portion.