Integral Retention Clip With Nut for Tight-Space Fastener Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening systems for vehicles require manual hand-threading of mechanical fasteners, increasing assembly time and necessitating additional space between components and frames.
Innovation Solution
An integral retention clip with a nut is designed, featuring a first clip arm with retention fingers and a second clip arm with a coaxially aligned nut, allowing for the secure coupling of components to a vehicle frame without hand-threading, using a fastening tool to drive the mechanical fastener into the nut.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual hand-threading of mechanical fasteners is used, then the fastener can be securely attached to the frame, but assembly time increases and additional space is required between component and frame
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is pre-installed on the retention clip before assembly, eliminating the need for manual hand-threading during assembly. This preliminary preparation of the fastening mechanism allows the fastener to be directly driven into the pre-positioned nut, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip with integrated nut acts as an intermediary component between the mechanical fastener and the frame. This intermediary structure provides a pre-configured receptacle for the fastener, enabling tool-driven installation without requiring manual threading operations.
2Reliability
If manual hand-threading of mechanical fasteners is used, then the fastener can be securely attached to the frame, but additional space between component and frame is required
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is pre-installed on the retention clip before assembly, eliminating the need for manual hand-threading during assembly. This preliminary preparation of the fastening mechanism allows the fastener to be directly driven into the pre-positioned nut, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip with integrated nut acts as an intermediary component between the mechanical fastener and the frame. This intermediary structure provides a pre-configured receptacle for the fastener, enabling tool-driven installation without requiring manual threading operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening systems are used, then mechanical fasteners can be attached to frames, but the process requires manual intervention and additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The nut and retention clip are merged into a single integrated component, with the nut directly formed on the retention clip body. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fastening operations and enables direct tool-driven installation, significantly improving assembly efficiency while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip serves multiple functions: it provides structural retention, positions the fastener, and incorporates the nut receptacle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate threading operations and manual intervention, thereby improving both ease of manufacture and assembly productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention clip includes a first clip arm that defines a fastener bore and includes at least one retention finger that extends into the fastener bore. The retention clip also includes a second clip arm spaced apart from the first clip arm. The second clip arm includes a nut having a bore coaxially aligned with the fastener bore and configured to receive a fastener.