Snap-Fit Retainer Ring for Automotive Assembly Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automotive assembly processes, the need for temporary connections between two bodies before final fastener connections is often cumbersome due to the requirement of multiple fasteners, necessitating a more efficient method for initial alignment and retention.
Innovation Solution
A connective system featuring a pin with a detent surface and a retainer ring that provides snap-fit engagement, allowing temporary connection and retention of a second body to a first body with a pin, utilizing a polymeric retainer ring and locking arms for secure alignment and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used for temporary connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated retainer ring assembly. The retainer ring incorporates multiple locking arms that engage with corresponding features on the support structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners while maintaining connection reliability through distributed locking points.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer ring is segmented into multiple independent locking arms, each capable of engaging with the support structure. This segmentation allows the single retainer ring to provide multiple connection points, achieving reliable temporary connection without requiring multiple separate fasteners.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used for temporary connection, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring assembly integrates multiple fastening functions into a single unit that can be installed in one operation. The locking arms are pre-positioned and coordinated, allowing the entire temporary connection system to be attached to the support structure in a single assembly step, significantly improving productivity compared to installing multiple separate fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arms are pre-configured in the retainer ring during manufacturing, with their positions and orientations predetermined. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field adjustment or sequential installation of multiple fasteners, allowing workers to simply attach the pre-assembled retainer ring to the support structure.
3Device complexity
If a simple retainer ring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring is divided into multiple locking arms that can independently engage with the support structure. This segmentation provides multiple contact points and load paths, enhancing connection reliability while keeping each individual locking arm simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer ring incorporates localized engagement features at specific points around its circumference, with locking arms positioned to engage with corresponding features on the support structure. This local quality approach provides reliable connection at critical points while maintaining overall structural 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
Facilitates efficient temporary connection and retention of components during assembly, enabling easier alignment and subsequent permanent fastening without the need for multiple fasteners, thereby streamlining the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer ring has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body to retain the second body with the first body
Data Source
AI summary
A connective system for connecting a first body to a second body having an aperture, is provided. The system includes a pin connected with the first body. The pin has a detent surface. A retainer ring having a snap fit engagement with the pin detent surface is provided. The retainer ring also has a locking arm for entry into the aperture of the second body with snap fit engagement with a surface of the second body thereby retaining the second body with said first body.