Rotating Bayonet Fastener for Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening methods for sensors in safety-critical applications, such as airbag systems, lack a secure and simple attachment solution that ensures correct assembly and maintains the sensor's position throughout its service life, especially when dealing with varying wall thicknesses and requiring secure interchangeability without additional fastening means.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device featuring a carrier element with a carrier nose and a retaining element having retaining wings that twist to lock into place, utilizing a bayonet-like mechanism, which eliminates the need for additional fasteners and provides a secure, quick attachment option, with features like multiple holding wings for uniform force distribution and beveled wings for secure engagement, along with sealing and coding capabilities to ensure correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening methods (screws, rivets, glue) are used for sensors, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and additional fastening means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carrier element and retaining element into a single integrated fastening device. The retaining element is rotatably arranged through the support member, merging multiple functions (carrier, fastener, locking mechanism) into one component that attaches to the wall without additional fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device serves multiple functions: the carrier element supports the sensor, the retaining element provides rotational fastening, and the holding pins enable secure attachment to walls of varying thicknesses. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and fasteners
2Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is pre-configured with holding pins that automatically engage with the wall opening. The rotatable design allows the installer to simply insert and twist the component, with the holding pins already positioned to lock into place, eliminating the need for separate fastening steps
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is self-installing through its rotatable mechanism. The holding pins automatically engage with the wall structure during rotation, and the carrier element self-aligns with the opening, requiring no additional tools or fastening operations
3Productivity
If a rotatable retaining element is used for quick attachment, then installation speed improves, but risk of incorrect positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding pins are asymmetrically arranged on the retaining element, with different pin configurations at different rotational positions. This asymmetric design creates a unique correct orientation that only engages properly when the retaining element is rotated to the precise required position, preventing incorrect installation
4Device complexity
If additional fastening means are eliminated to simplify the device, then device complexity decreases, but fastening reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable retaining element utilizes rotational movement to achieve secure fastening. The circular path of rotation allows the holding pins to engage with the wall structure through a twisting motion, creating a reliable mechanical lock without requiring screws or additional fasteners
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing device (200) for fixing in an opening in a wall of a vehicle, said fixing device (200) having a support element (210) with at least one support lug (220). The fixing device (200) also comprises a retaining element (230) with at least one retaining arm (240) for fixing the fixing device (200) to the wall. To fix the fixing device (200) in relation to the support element (210), the retaining element (230) runs through the support element (210) and can rotate it the latter, the support lug (220) being designed to block the rotation of the support element (210).