Rotating Trim Fastener Assembly With Deflectable Clamping Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for vehicle assembly lack a simple and efficient mechanism to securely connect and disconnect vehicle body trim panels from frames during assembly and transportation, often resulting in complex structures and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with a support disc and an engaging mechanism comprising a rod, head, and deflectable support members that allows for easy insertion and secure clamping of the fastening attachment, enabling rotation between pre-assembling and fastening positions, facilitating connection and disconnection with a carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fasteners are used to connect vehicle body trim panels and frames, then the components can be connected, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a support disc for positioning, an engaging mechanism with deflectable support members for clamping, and a rotation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to transition between different operational states (insertion position, clamping position, fastening position). This dynamic capability enables a single fastener design to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If existing fasteners are used for vehicle assembly, then components can be connected, but assembly and disassembly processes become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is pre-assembled with the fastening attachment to form a complete fastening assembly before installation. The deflectable support members are pre-configured to automatically engage and clamp the attachment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment and tightening operations during final assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism enables the fastener to automatically transition through different functional positions during a single rotational motion, integrating multiple assembly steps (insertion, clamping, fastening) into one continuous action that reduces assembly time while maintaining secure attachment
3Reliability
If existing fasteners are used to connect components, then the components remain connected, but the fasteners cannot be easily disconnected and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism works bidirectionally, allowing the fastener to be rotated to engage and lock components securely, then rotated in reverse to disengage and release them. This dynamic reversibility enables the same fastener to be repeatedly installed and removed without degradation of connection security or requiring replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable support members automatically adjust during the rotation process to engage with the fastening attachment, creating the secure connection without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures. The same mechanism reverses automatically during disassembly, enabling easy reuse
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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and secure fastening mechanism that reduces assembly complexity, minimizes insertion resistance, and ensures stable attachment during vehicle operation, preventing separation due to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of deflectable support members is overhung toward the support disc from the connecting ends to the support member supporting surfaces such that the pair of deflectable support members is deflectable about the connecting ends toward or away from the rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fastener for fastening a fastening attachment to a carrier. The fastener includes a support disc and an engaging mechanism. The lower side of the support disc has a support disc supporting surface. The engaging mechanism connects the fastening attachment, and the engaging mechanism is formed by extending from the support disc supporting surface. The engaging mechanism includes a rod, a head and a pair of deflectable support members. A proximal end of the rod is connected to the support disc supporting surface. The head is arranged at a distal end of the rod. The pair of deflectable support members are arranged on the rod and comprise support member supporting surfaces facing the support disc, and a pre-assembling clamping space is defined between the support member supporting surfaces and the support disc to clamp at least part of a thickness of the fastening attachment.