Sealed Fastener Assembly for Low-Force Blind Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assemblies allow moisture permeation between secured components, require high installation force, and have difficulty aligning edges during assembly, leading to performance issues and waste.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a body and gasket configuration that includes rounded edges, lateral retaining arms, and a chamber with lead-in features for easy alignment, along with a gasket that seals components together, providing a secure and audible click for positive feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known fastener assemblies are used to secure components, then components can be connected together, but moisture can permeate between secured components through channels and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gasket comprising a flexible membrane that conformally engages the body and seals against the panel. This flexible film structure creates an effective moisture barrier by adapting to surface irregularities and maintaining continuous contact, thereby preventing moisture permeation through the fastener assembly while preserving component connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If known fastener assemblies are used, then components can be secured together, but a relatively high amount of force is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates rounded edges on the body and lead-in features with curved surfaces that guide the fastener into proper alignment during installation. These curved geometries distribute insertion forces more evenly, reduce stress concentrations, and facilitate smoother engagement, thereby reducing the overall force required for installation while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead-in features are designed to preliminarily align and guide the fastener body into the correct position before the main fastening action occurs. This preliminary alignment reduces misalignment forces and ensures that the primary installation force is applied efficiently, decreasing the total force needed for proper installation.
3Ease of operation
If known fastener assemblies are used, then components can be connected, but it is difficult to align edges during blind connection
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded edges and curved lead-in features serve as self-aligning elements that guide the fastener into proper orientation during insertion. These curved surfaces naturally direct the fastener body toward the correct position, enabling accurate edge alignment even in blind connection scenarios where visual feedback is limited, thereby improving both alignment ease and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates an audible click mechanism that provides tactile and acoustic feedback when the fastener reaches its properly aligned position. This feedback confirms correct edge alignment to the operator, ensuring manufacturing precision while making the alignment process easier by providing clear indication of proper positioning during blind connection.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If known fastener assemblies are used, then components can be fastened together, but performance issues occur after repeated assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane gasket maintains its sealing capability through repeated assembly cycles by elastically deforming during installation and returning to its original shape. This flexibility allows the gasket to accommodate minor variations in assembly conditions while maintaining continuous contact and sealing effectiveness, thereby extending service life and ensuring consistent performance over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates compliance features and flexible elements that cushion and absorb the stresses of repeated assembly and disassembly operations. These elements protect the rigid components from damage during cyclic loading, preventing performance degradation and extending the fastener's service life while maintaining reliable connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastener assembly (100) is configured to be securely coupled with one or more components. The fastener assembly includes a body including a flange (136), and a gasket (104) that is secured to the flange. The body is configured to securely couple to a clip. The body includes one or more features that are configured to cooperate with one or more reciprocal features of the clip to increase retention strength.