Serviceable Rotating Magnetic Pin for Vehicle Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening systems for automobile vehicle components, such as trim members and airbag components, face challenges in retaining components during rapid deceleration events and side impacts, with limited serviceability and part replacement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic pin system with a polymeric body and a metallic insert, featuring locking wings and a magnetic coupler, which allows for secure attachment and easy removal of components using a magnetic field to rotate the insert and locking wings, enabling secure locking and unlocking without deforming the retention features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high retention fasteners and welded attachment components are used to secure components during rapid deceleration and side impacts, then component retention reliability is improved, but serviceability and part replacement capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into a permanent base fastener (first fastening component) and a serviceable rotating magnetic pin (second fastening component). The base fastener provides reliable retention during impacts, while the removable magnetic pin enables easy serviceability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating magnetic pin is inserted into and nested within the base fastener assembly. The magnetic insert within the polymeric body of the pin interacts with the base fastener's magnetic coupler, creating a nested configuration where the serviceable pin is housed within the permanent fastening structure, combining security with serviceability.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening systems are used to secure trim members and airbag components, then component retention during impacts is achieved, but wear and damage to retention features occurs during service cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating magnetic pin introduces a dynamic element to the fastening system. The pin can rotate 90 degrees between installed and removed positions, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted for serviceability while maintaining secure retention during normal operation and impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the permanent retention function (base fastener) from the serviceable component (rotating magnetic pin). This segmentation allows the retention features to remain undamaged during service cycles since the magnetic pin can be removed without deforming the base fastener's retention elements.
3Strength
If high retention fasteners are used to prevent component detachment during rapid deceleration, then retention strength is improved, but the complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual manipulation and complex mechanical operations required for traditional high retention fasteners are replaced by magnetic interaction. The magnetic coupler and magnetic insert provide automatic engagement and retention through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assembly procedures while maintaining high retention strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic pin assembly performs self-alignment and self-engagement through magnetic attraction. When the magnetic pin is inserted into the base fastener, the magnetic coupler and magnetic insert automatically attract and position themselves, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing operational complexity.
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 magnetic pin system provides high retention force, minimizes wear and damage during service cycles, allows for easy part replacement, and adapts to different component geometries, reducing fastener scrap and replacement costs while ensuring secure attachment during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The metallic insert is susceptible to a magnetic field applied to the metallic insert acting to co-rotate the metallic insert and the polymeric body to install and to remove the polymeric body to and from an in-use position.
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic coupler is positioned over the metallic insert and magnetically coupled to the metallic insert. The magnetic coupler is rotated to induce a 90-degree rotation of the magnetic coupler and thereby the metallic insert to lock the magnetic pin in the fixed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic pin system includes a magnetic pin having a polymeric body including: a seating portion; a cylindrical-shaped insert portion integrally fixed to the seating portion; and a first locking wing and a second locking wing oppositely positioned about the insert portion with respect to the first locking wing and integrally connected to the insert portion. A metallic insert is fixed to the seating portion. The metallic insert is susceptible to a magnetic field applied to the metallic insert acting to co-rotate the metallic insert and the polymeric body to install and to remove the polymeric body from a fixed position. A magnetic coupler is positioned over the metallic insert and magnetically coupled to the metallic insert. The magnetic coupler is rotated to induce a 90-degree rotation of the magnetic coupler and thereby the metallic insert to lock the magnetic pin in the fixed position.