Rotating Anchoring Part With Elastic Fins for Low-Force Panel Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring parts in the automobile industry face issues with high insertion force and insufficient anti-pulling force, making the mounting process laborious and prone to accidental dislodging.

Innovation Solution

An anchoring part with a plurality of side walls, a plug hole, a head portion, and elastic fins that allow for easy insertion and secure locking through a rotating mechanism with locking notches, reducing insertion force while enhancing anti-pulling force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the anchoring part uses a conventional structure, then the insertion force is large, but the mounting process becomes time-consuming and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidmounting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring part employs a dynamic rotation mechanism where the anchoring rod can rotate relative to the mounting hole during the fastening process. This dynamic motion transforms the insertion process from a purely linear forceful insertion to a rotational engagement, reducing the peak insertion force required while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring part is segmented into functional components: the anchoring rod with locking notches, the head portion, and the elastic fins. The locking notches are positioned at specific locations on the anchoring rod to engage with the mounting hole at different stages, allowing the insertion process to be divided into insertion, rotation, and locking phases, thereby reducing overall insertion force requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If the anchoring part uses a conventional structure, then the insertion force is large, but the mounting process becomes laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism allows the anchoring rod to naturally orient itself during insertion, reducing the manual effort required by workers. The dynamic engagement of locking notches with the mounting hole creates a self-aligning effect that simplifies the mounting operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring part performs part of the mounting work automatically through its own structural features. The locking notches automatically engage with the mounting hole during rotation, and the elastic fins automatically provide locking action, reducing the need for manual intervention and making the mounting process easier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the anchoring part has conventional anti-pulling structure, then the structure is simple, but the anti-pulling force is not large enough causing accidental dislodging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-pulling forceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-pulling mechanism utilizes the dynamic rotation capability of the anchoring rod. As the rod rotates during fastening, the locking notches engage with the mounting hole at optimal positions, creating a mechanical interlock that provides strong anti-pulling force. This dynamic engagement is more effective than static anchoring structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking notches are positioned asymmetrically on the anchoring rod at specific locations along its length. This asymmetric arrangement creates unequal engagement forces during rotation, with the notches engaging the mounting hole at strategically positioned points that maximize resistance to pulling forces while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Strength

If the anchoring part uses elastic fins extending from sidewalls, then the anti-pulling force is enhanced, but the insertion complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-pulling forceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic fins are strategically positioned at specific locations on the anchoring rod rather than uniformly distributed. This local placement provides enhanced anti-pulling force at critical positions where it is most needed, while minimizing the overall structural complexity and material usage. The fins are located to engage with the mounting hole during the rotation and fastening process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 anchoring part effectively reduces the insertion force and increases the anti-pulling force, ensuring secure connection and preventing accidental dislodging of panels.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic fin that is formed by extending outwardly obliquely from at least one of the sidewalls

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The anchoring rod is configured to be capable of rotating by a certain angle as the pin portion is threaded into the plug hole of the anchoring rod, such that an edge of the mounting hole of the first panel is engaged in the locking notches of the anchoring rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 3

The fastening part has a head portion and a pin portion that has an external thread and extends from the head portion, wherein the pin portion may be threaded (rotated) into the plug hole of the anchoring rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS11009058B2Anchoring part and apparatus for connecting two parts
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US11009058B2 patent drawing
  • US11009058B2 patent drawing
  • US11009058B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An anchoring part, comprising: an anchoring rod that has a plurality of side walls, and a plug hole extending along a height direction of the anchoring rod; a head portion that surrounds the anchoring rod and is disposed at an upper end of the anchoring rod; at least one elastic fin that is formed by extending outwardly obliquely from at least one of the sidewalls; wherein the anchoring rod further comprises a plurality of corner portions connecting adjacent sidewalls, the plurality of corner portions being provided with locking notches at the positions adjacent to a lower surface of the head portion, respectively.