Two-Retainer Push-On Fastener for Serviceable Round Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-on fasteners are not serviceable and often damage the post when removed, making them unsuitable for applications requiring periodic servicing.
Innovation Solution
A push-on fastener assembly with canted retainer fingers and retainer legs that allow for secure engagement and disengagement without damaging the post, enabling reuse by aligning openings and using engagement features like notches and clips to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional push-on fastener is used to secure components, then the fastener provides strong holding strength and is easy to apply, but the fastener cannot be removed without damaging or scoring the post
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate retainers (first retainer and second retainer) that can be independently removed. The first retainer remains engaged with the post to maintain holding strength, while the second retainer can be removed and reattached, enabling serviceability without damaging the post.
Solution Approach 2:
The first retainer acts as an intermediary that remains permanently engaged with the post, while the second retainer serves as a removable component. This intermediary structure allows the fastener to be serviced (second retainer removed and reattached) without compromising the permanent engagement (first retainer) that provides holding strength.
2Strength
If a push-on fastener with retainer fingers that bite into the post is used, then maximum holding strength is achieved, but the post is damaged or scored over time with periodic removal
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer fingers are segmented into two groups: first retainer fingers that remain engaged with the post to provide continuous holding strength, and second retainer fingers that are removed and reattached during servicing. This segmentation prevents the second set of fingers from scoring the post repeatedly while maintaining the gripping action of the first set.
Solution Approach 2:
The second retainer is designed to be temporarily discarded (removed) and then recovered (reatached) during servicing operations. This allows the fastener to be serviced without the retainer fingers continuously biting into and damaging the post, while the first retainer maintains continuous engagement for holding strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If a push-on fastener is designed for easy application with minimal force, then assembly is simplified, but the fastener lacks serviceability for periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is segmented into first and second retainers that can be separately assembled and removed. The alignment features (openings, notches, clips) enable easy assembly of the two retainers onto the post, while the modular structure allows the second retainer to be independently removed for servicing without complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener assembly serves multiple functions: the first retainer provides permanent engagement for structural integrity, while the second retainer provides removable access for servicing. The alignment features (openings, notches, clips) enable both retainers to be easily assembled and disassembled, making the fastener both easy to manufacture and serviceable.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a push-on fastener assembly to couple a first component to a second component via a post associated with the second component. The push-on fastener assembly is a multi-component push-on fastener assembly having a first retainer and a second retainer. The first retainer has a first annular body with a first topside surface and a first underside surface. The first annular body defines a first opening and a first plurality of retainer fingers coupled to the first annular body and canted upwardly away from the first topside surface at a first angle. The second retainer has a second annular body with a second topside surface and a second underside surface. The second annular body defines a second opening, a second plurality of retainer fingers coupled to the second annular body and canted upwardly away from the second topside surface at a second angle, and one or more retainer legs to secure the first retainer relative to the second retainer.