Screwless Actuator Fastening with Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening methods for actuators in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in motor vehicles are logistically cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly when multiple actuators are required, due to the use of screws, and may not ensure stable installation due to manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device that uses a mounting seat with axial stop members and a spring element to securely lock an electric actuator without screws, allowing axial insertion and rotation for stable attachment to a support, ensuring secure retention through a combination of stop surfaces and spring engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fasten the actuator, then the fastening is secure and stable, but the assembly process becomes logistically cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes screws and screwdrivers from the assembly process by integrating the fastening function directly into the actuator casing and mounting seat structure. The actuator casing includes integrated fastening elements that engage with corresponding features in the mounting seat, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuator casing with integrated fastening elements, merging the structural housing and fastening function into a single component. The mounting seat includes receiving features that directly engage with the actuator casing, creating an integrated assembly that eliminates separate fastening operations.
2Productivity
If bayonet fitting with inclined surfaces is used to eliminate screws, then assembly is faster, but the installation stability is compromised due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-formed engagement features directly into the actuator casing and mounting seat during manufacturing. The actuator casing includes integrated fastening elements and the mounting seat includes corresponding receiving features, so that when the actuator is inserted, the fastening action is automatically performed without requiring additional adjustment or tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the actuator and mounting seat with self-aligning and self-fastening features. The engagement surfaces and geometric constraints automatically guide the actuator into the correct position and secure it firmly without requiring external tools or additional fastening operations, making the system self-servicing during assembly.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for screws, reduces installation time, and provides a stable fastening mechanism for actuators, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the fastening process.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening device further comprises at least one spring element formed on the bottom wall of the mounting seat
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for fastening an actuator to a support, including an actuator (1) and a support (10) comprising a mounting seat (11) into which the actuator (1) can be fitted by axial insertion and subsequent rotation. The mounting seat (11) comprises a bottom wall (12) and a plurality of stop members (15) protruding from the bottom wall (12), each of which is adapted to receive a corresponding fastening area (4) of the casing (2) of the actuator (1). The mounting seat (11) comprises a perimetral wall (14) arranged around the mounting seat (11), with which wall the stop members (15) are integrally formed. The fastening device further comprises a spring element (20) formed on the bottom wall (12) and/or on the perimetral wall (14) of the mounting seat (11). The spring element (20) is engaged by the casing (2) during the axial insertion of the actuator (1), and springs back on completion of the rotation of the casing (2), to rotationally lock the casing (2) between the spring element (20) and the perimetral wall (14) and/or the stop members (15) of the mounting seat (11).