Rotary Locking Fastener for Releasable Panel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening means for motor vehicles are complex in construction, require precise openings in metals, and are difficult to fit and remove, especially when used for attaching plastic parts to carrier components.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with a plug-in locking device for carrier components and a releasable rotary locking device for add-on parts, featuring axial supporting elements and radially extending locking wings, which provide secure attachment and prevent over-rotation, allowing for straightforward installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If releasable fastening means with cylindrical shank and resilient restraining arms are used, then the fastening can be removed and reused, but the construction becomes complex and requires precise openings in metal carrier components
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means is divided into functionally independent segments: a plug-in locking device for permanent attachment to the carrier component, and a rotary locking device for reversible attachment to the add-on part. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining releasability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by making the carrier component attachment permanent (plug-in locking) while making the add-on part attachment reversible (rotary locking). This inversion simplifies the metal carrier component by eliminating the need for precise complex openings, while concentrating the complexity only in the removable interface.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening means with multiple sealing elements and resilient restraining arms are used, then sealing performance is improved, but the fitting and removal process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent operations: plug-in locking for carrier attachment and rotary locking for add-on part attachment. This segmentation simplifies the fitting and removal process by allowing straightforward linear insertion followed by simple rotational locking, eliminating complex manual manipulation while maintaining sealing integrity through the abutment device and resilient elements.
3Ease of operation
If fastening means with quarter-circle rotation and elongate head design are used, then panel connection is achieved, but over-rotation is possible and structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary locking device incorporates a locking stop that preliminarily prevents over-rotation before it can occur. This anti-action mechanism ensures the fastening means rotates only to the required degree for proper engagement, maintaining structural stability while preserving ease of operation through the simple rotary motion.
4Strength
If resilient restraining arms with rear engagement are used, then secure attachment to carrier component is achieved, but the arms are destroyed in the event of repair or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment function is segmented between the plug-in locking device that engages with the carrier component (providing secure attachment) and the rotary locking device that engages with the add-on part (enabling reversible connection). This segmentation allows the resilient restraining arms to remain engaged with the carrier component while the add-on part can be easily removed and reattached, preserving reusability while maintaining attachment strength.
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 system enables reliable, rattle-free, and secure attachment of add-on parts to carrier components, simplifying the fitting and removal process while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
resilient restraining arms which, once the fastening means has been plugged through a hole, for example in a panel, spring outwards
Implementation Method 2
The abutment arms retain with a press fit, between free ends of the latching elements on the one hand and its own underside on the other hand, a correspondingly gripped carrier component
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device for fastening add-on parts on carrier components has a plug-in locking device, for locking to a carrier component, and a releasable rotary locking device, spaced apart axially from the plug-in locking device and intended for locking to an add-on part. The rotary locking device has an axial supporting element and at least one locking wing, spaced apart axially from the supporting element and extending away radially from a shank of the fastening device. The supporting element and the at least one locking wing have axial locking surfaces, located axially opposite one another. The axial locking surface of the supporting element is arranged axially between the locking wing and the plug-in locking device. The rotary locking device also has a rotary locking stop, which delimits the rotating-in and/or rotating-out action.