Self-Aligning Fastener With Movable Alignment Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for vehicle light assemblies require post-installation alignment and cannot self-adjust to accommodate varying aperture sizes, leading to inefficiencies in assembly and alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
A fastener system featuring a movable connection body and separate alignment tab that biases the fastener within an aperture, allowing for self-alignment and locking without external interaction, enabling the connector to snap into place and adjust to different sized apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used for vehicle light assemblies, then the parts can be connected together, but post-installation alignment is required and the connectors cannot self-adjust to accommodate varying aperture sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tab is designed to automatically self-align within the aperture without requiring external alignment tools or post-installation adjustment. The tab's geometry causes it to naturally center itself as it is inserted into the aperture, enabling the connector to self-adjust to accommodate varying aperture sizes and self-align the assembly parts simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tab performs the alignment function during the insertion process itself, before the final locked position is achieved. The tab biases the connector body into proper alignment as it enters the aperture, preparing the connection for immediate locking without requiring subsequent alignment steps
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional connectors require post-installation alignment, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment tab merges the alignment function with the connection function into a single integrated component. The tab is formed as part of the connector body and performs both alignment and connection tasks simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms or post-installation adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment tab serves multiple functions: it guides the connector into the aperture, self-aligns to accommodate varying aperture sizes, biases the connector body into proper orientation, and works in conjunction with the connection body to achieve both alignment and locking in a single operation
3Device complexity
If a single body connector is used, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot simultaneously align and lock the connector in place
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is segmented into functionally distinct regions: the alignment tab portion and the connection body portion. While formed from a single piece, these segments can move relative to each other during insertion, with the alignment tab leading the way to establish proper positioning before the connection body engages the locking mechanism
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 fastener system ensures precise alignment and secure locking of assembly parts without external alignment, accommodating various aperture sizes and improving assembly efficiency by allowing self-adjustment and snap-lock functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an alignment tab that is separate from and movable relative to the connection body and is movable within the fastener body and is configured to bias the fastener against one or more of the assembly parts
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener comprising: a fastener body comprising: a connection body that is movable within the fastener body between a locked position and a locking position to connect to assembly parts together and an alignment tab that is separate from and movable relative to the connection body and is movable within the fastener body and is configured to bias the fastener against one or more of the assembly parts so that the fastener is configured to self-align itself relative to the assembly parts, configured to align the assembly parts relative to one another, or both.