Rigid Fastener with Elastic Catch Lugs for Drop Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening solutions for electronic components, such as acceleration sensors and electronic control units in motor vehicles, face issues with low drop resistance, positioning precision, and antirotation functionality due to the use of flexible catch pins, which can break or shear off under shock and torque stress.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rigid projection with recessed catch pins, where only the catch lugs project beyond the component's outline, providing protection and positioning precision, and a web structure to prevent excessive bending, along with a cross-section adapted to the opening, enhances drop and shear resistance and positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible catch pins are used for fastening electronic components, then ease of operation is improved, but drop resistance and reliability deteriorate due to breakage under shock and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible plastic to rigid material for the projection and catch pins, while maintaining the elastic catch lugs for the fastening function. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing rigidity for shock resistance while preserving the elastic catch mechanism for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining rigid material for the projection body and catch pin shaft with elastic material for the catch lugs. This composite approach allows the rigid portion to resist shocks and impacts while the elastic portion provides the necessary flexibility for fastening and release operations.
2Ease of operation
If flexible catch pins are used for fastening, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to elastic flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible to rigid for the projection and catch pin shaft, eliminating elastic deformation that compromises positioning precision. The rigid structure ensures accurate positioning while the elastic catch lugs maintain operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If flexible catch pins are used, then ease of operation is improved, but antirotation function deteriorates due to shearing under excessive torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible to rigid for the projection and catch pin shaft, providing sufficient shear resistance to prevent shearing under torque. The rigid structure maintains the antirotation function while the elastic catch lugs preserve ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure with rigid material for the shaft and elastic material for the lugs allows the rigid portion to resist shearing forces while the elastic portion facilitates easy operation and release.
4Reliability
If rigid pegs are used instead of flexible catch pins, then drop resistance and positioning precision are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the catch pin into two functional parts: a rigid shaft for structural integrity and positioning, and an elastic catch lug for fastening and release operations. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material qualities to different parts of the catch pin: rigid material where structural strength is needed (shaft and projection) and elastic material where flexibility is needed (catch lugs). This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between rigidity and elasticity requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for fastening and/or temporarily fixing a component on a retainer provided with an opening, having two flexible catch pins which are situated at a distance from one another and are each provided with catch lugs in the proximity of their free ends, which project beyond opposing exterior sides of the catch pins and engage behind an edge of the opening after they pass through the opening of the retainer. It is provided that the two catch pins are situated in recesses of a projection.