Self-Retaining Electronic Module Mount for Polymer Creep Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic housing modules for vehicles face issues with polymer creep and require two-handed assembly due to fragile plastic clips and misalignment challenges, leading to potential deformation and loosening of components over time.
Innovation Solution
An electronic housing module with a self-retaining feature that includes a metal cylinder and elastomeric ribs, allowing for single-handed assembly and reduced deformation by distributing compressive force through the metal cylinder, thereby resisting polymer creep and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plastic clips are used to engage the metal stud or fastener, then the electronic housing module can be assembled, but the clips are fragile and require two hands for proper assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fragile plastic clips from the assembly and replaces them with a self-retaining metal feature integrated into the flange. The metal cylinder with deformable features provides the retention function previously performed by the plastic clips, eliminating the need for separate clip components and improving both durability and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-retaining feature is designed to automatically engage and retain the fastener without requiring manual intervention to install separate clips. The deformable features on the metal cylinder automatically grip the fastener shaft, providing self-retention that eliminates the need for two-handed assembly and improves operational ease.
2Strength
If metal stud or thread fastener is inserted through the electronic housing module, then the module can be secured to the vehicle chassis, but polymer creep occurs as the polymer is deformed by the harder metal fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The self-retaining metal feature acts as an intermediary between the metal fastener and the polymer flange. The metal cylinder with deformable features distributes the mechanical stress and prevents direct concentration of force on the polymer, thereby maintaining fastening strength while preventing polymer creep and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the retention feature from soft polymer to metal, and introduces deformable features that can elastically deform to accommodate the fastener. This parameter change allows the system to maintain strong fastening while protecting the polymer flange from permanent deformation and creep.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic clips are used for retention, then the electronic housing module can be assembled, but the contact between the electronic housing and the metal fastener may loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The self-retaining feature combines metal cylinder with elastomeric or polymer deformable features to create a composite structure. This composite material approach provides both the strength of metal for structural integrity and the flexibility of elastomers for maintaining continuous contact and preventing loosening over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable features on the metal cylinder are designed to dynamically adapt to the fastener and maintain continuous contact pressure. This dynamic compliance ensures that the connection remains tight and secure over time, preventing loosening while maintaining assembly simplicity.
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 self-retaining feature securely holds the electronic housing module in place with a friction fit, reducing polymer creep and enabling easier, single-handed installation on vertical or upside-down surfaces, while maintaining durability and preventing deformation.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of deformable features is configured to engage the fastener component inserted through the opening in the metal cylinder. The contact between the plurality of deformable features and the fastener component self-retains the electronic housing module on the fastener component.
Implementation Method 2
The self-retaining feature bears the load from the washer and/or bolt (or nut) fastened to the fastener component, i.e., the compressive force between the washer/bolt and the vehicle substrate may be distributed to the metal cylinder of the self-retaining feature, reducing polymer creep that would occur if the clamping force was applied directly to the polymer flange.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for housing electronic components for a vehicle includes an electronic housing module. The electronic housing module is configured to house electronic components therein. A flange for securing the electronic housing module to a substrate includes a flat surface and an aperture extending through the flange. A self-retaining feature is positioned within the aperture of the flange. The self-retaining feature includes a metal cylinder including a side wall, an inner cylinder wall, and an opening extending through the metal cylinder along a cylindrical axis. A plurality of deformable features extends radially inward from the inner cylindrical wall of the self-retaining feature. A threaded stud is received through the opening of the metal cylinder and a nut is secured to the threaded stud.