Rotatable Fastener Assembly for Reusable Underbody Trim Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of positioning and aligning bolts and nuts to secure underbody trim to a vehicle frame is time and labor intensive, requiring separate and distinct fasteners for each component.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly featuring a fixation member with angled arms and ribs that can be inserted through openings in components, providing a high retention force and allowing for quick and easy removal by partial rotation, eliminating the need for separate nuts and bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolts and nuts are used to secure underbody trim to frame, then reliable connection is achieved, but assembly time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastener assembly that includes a fixation member with engagement features and a securing panel. This single component replaces the traditional bolt-and-nut combination, eliminating the need for separate fasteners while maintaining secure connection between the underbody trim and frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixation member with arms and ribs for engagement, a securing panel for attachment to the trim, and an insertion feature for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate bolts and nuts are used for each component, then precise engagement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the functions of multiple separate fasteners into a single fastener assembly. The fixation member includes integrated engagement features (arms and ribs) that provide precise positioning and secure connection, eliminating the need for separate bolts and nuts while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener assembly includes pre-formed engagement features and alignment structures that guide the fastener into proper position during installation. The arms and ribs are pre-configured to engage with corresponding features on the frame and trim, ensuring precise engagement without requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used, then secure connection is achieved, but removal and reuse become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation member includes flexible arms that can dynamically adjust during installation and removal. The arms are configured to engage securely with the frame during assembly, providing strong connection, but can be easily disengaged by applying force to deform the arms outward, allowing for simple removal and reuse of the fastener assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly (100) includes a securing panel (102) and a fixation member (104) that projects away from the securing panel along a center axis (101). The fixation member includes opposing arms (106, 108) that are angled toward the center axis and opposite ribs (118, 120) disposed between the arms and angled toward the center axis. The fixation member is inserted through openings in first and second components. The arms engage the first component and the securing panel engages the second while the fastener assembly is in a locked state to secure the first and second components together. The fixation member is partially rotated around the center axis to transition the fixation member to an unlocked state. The ribs are brought into contact with an edge of the first component and the arms are moved out of contact with the first component while the fastener assembly is in the unlocked state to decouple the components from each other.