Self-Retaining Electronic Module Mounting Against Polymer Creep
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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 the housing over time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-retaining feature within the electronic housing module, comprising a metal cylinder with an elastomeric cylinder and radially inward deformable features, which engages the fastener to secure the module in place and distributes compressive force away from the polymer flange, allowing for single-handed assembly and reduced deformation.
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 feature integrated into the flange. The self-retaining feature includes a retaining portion with engagement features that directly engage the fastener, eliminating the need for separate plastic clips and enabling single-handed assembly while improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-retaining feature is designed to automatically retain the fastener without requiring additional clips or complex assembly operations. The engagement features on the retaining portion self-align and self-engage with the fastener, providing automatic retention that simplifies assembly to a single-handed operation.
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 components
Solution Approach 1:
The self-retaining feature acts as an intermediary between the metal fastener and the polymer flange. The retaining portion with its engagement features provides a metal-to-metal or metal-to-reinforced connection point, preventing direct contact between the hard metal fastener and the soft polymer material, thereby eliminating polymer creep while maintaining securing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is constructed as a composite structure combining polymer material with reinforcement elements (such as metal inserts or ribs). This composite construction allows the flange to maintain the corrosion resistance and weight advantages of polymer while providing localized strength and creep resistance at the fastener engagement points through the reinforced self-retaining feature.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic clips are used to secure the housing module, then assembly can be performed, but the contact between the electronic housing and metal fastener may loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the plastic clips that caused loosening over time and replaces them with a self-retaining feature that provides permanent, stable retention. The engagement features on the retaining portion create a rigid connection that prevents loosening, while the overall assembly remains simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using separate clips that attach to the fastener, the design inverts the approach by integrating the retention feature directly into the flange structure. The self-retaining feature's engagement features permanently retain the fastener, creating a stable connection that cannot loosen over time 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 effectively prevents polymer creep, enhances durability during assembly, and simplifies the installation process by resisting gravity and misalignment, ensuring secure attachment to the vehicle substrate without deforming the polymer flange.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric cylinder is positioned on the inner cylindrical wall. The elastomeric cylinder includes a plurality of ribs extending radially inward from an inner wall of the elastomeric cylinder.
Implementation Method 2
The self-retaining feature is configured to engage the fastener component to secure the electronic housing module to the vehicle substrate. The self-retaining feature bears a majority of the compressive load, which reduces polymer creep that would occur if the compressive force was applied directly to the flange.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
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.