Co-Molded Snap-On Support Base for Fast Tool-Free Bar Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing ring posts and monuments in vehicles, such as aircraft, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple tools and fasteners, which increases manufacturing costs and weight, and lacks ergonomic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A co-molded snap-on support base system that allows for a one-step attachment to elongate bar structures without the need for tools or additional fasteners, using a design with side attachment arms and secondary retaining clips for secure alignment and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ring posts and monuments are installed with multiple fasteners and tools, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated snap-on base assembly. The base includes integrated features such as attachment arms, retaining clips, and alignment mechanisms all in one component, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, washers, and nuts. This merging of functions allows rapid installation while maintaining secure attachment through the coordinated action of multiple integrated features.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-on base is pre-configured with attachment arms, retaining clips, and alignment features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the installer to simply snap the pre-assembled base onto the support structure without needing to assemble multiple components during installation, dramatically reducing installation time while ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners and fastener assemblies are used to secure ring posts, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary fastener components from the attachment system. By designing a snap-on base with integrated attachment mechanisms, the invention removes the need for separate fasteners, washers, and nuts that would add weight to the aircraft. The retained features are only those essential for secure attachment, achieving weight reduction while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-on base appears to be designed as a lightweight, possibly disposable or easily replaceable component rather than a permanent heavy-duty fastening system. This approach prioritizes weight reduction over long-term durability, accepting that the base may need replacement rather than designing for indefinite service life with heavy fasteners.
3Reliability
If numerous tools are used for installing ring posts and monuments, then proper installation is achieved, but tool tracking and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-on base is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools. The attachment arms, retaining clips, and alignment features work together in a tool-free snap-on process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for tool tracking, calibration, and management while maintaining installation quality through the inherent design of the self-aligning, self-securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tool-based fastening system with a snap-on mechanism that uses elastic deformation and friction. Instead of using drills, screwdrivers, and wrenches to create and tighten mechanical fasteners, the design uses flexible attachment arms that bend and snap into place, with friction and geometry providing the securing force.
4Manufacturing precision
If ring posts are manually centered and aligned on support structures, then proper positioning is achieved, but installation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-on base includes pre-formed alignment features such as alignment arms or guide elements that are manufactured into the base during production. These features automatically align the base with the support structure during the snap-on process, eliminating the need for manual centering and alignment operations while ensuring precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features of the snap-on base are self-aligning, automatically positioning the base correctly on the support structure through geometric constraints and friction. The installer simply needs to engage the snap-on mechanism, and the alignment features do the work of centering and positioning without requiring manual measurement or adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a co-molded snap-on support base, including a top portion, and a bottom portion co-molded with the top portion. The bottom portion includes an attachment clip for a one-step snap-on attachment to an elongate bar structure. The attachment clip includes first and second side attachment arms. The attachment clip further includes a lateral retaining strip formed on each of the first and second side attachment arms. The bottom portion further includes at least one secondary retaining clip projecting from an interior surface of the bottom portion of the co-molded snap-on support base. The at least one secondary retaining clip is designed to mate with at least one hole in the elongate bar structure, to align and to further secure the co-molded snap-on support base to the elongate bar structure. The co-molded snap-on support base is used to reduce a time of installation of apparatuses for routing elongate elements.