Spool-Shaped Isolator Grommet for Tool-Free Vehicle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching air cleaner housings to vehicles are labor-intensive, prone to damaged threads and cross-threaded bolts, and often require limited access to tools due to packaging constraints, failing to effectively reduce noise and vibration effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damping assembly featuring a C-shaped receptacle with a spool-shaped isolator mounting grommet and integrally-formed retention barbs, allowing for tool-free installation and removal of components, using elastic materials like TPO, TPE, or EPDM for effective vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thread cutting bolts and metal compression limiter sleeves are used to attach air cleaner housing to vehicle, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly becomes labor-intensive and prone to damaged threads and cross-threaded bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (thread cutting bolts, metal compression limiter sleeves, and donut-shaped rubber grommets) with an elastomeric spool-shaped grommet that uses elastic deformation and friction to achieve attachment. The spool-shaped grommet with its post-passing bore allows the mounting post to pass through, and the C-shaped receptacle engages with the post to secure the component without requiring threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal (bolts and compression limiter sleeves) to elastomeric material (spool-shaped grommet). This material parameter change enables the grommet to deform elastically during installation and then maintain a secure fit through its elastic recovery, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and their associated assembly complexities.
2Reliability
If thread cutting bolts and metal compression limiter sleeves are used for attachment, then secure mounting is achieved, but access to tools is limited due to packaging constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tool-dependent mechanical fastening system with a tool-free elastomeric grommet system. The spool-shaped grommet can be installed by simply passing the mounting post through its post-passing bore and engaging the C-shaped receptacle, eliminating the need for wrenches, sockets, or other threading tools that require significant access space.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional donut-shaped rubber grommets with metal compression limiter sleeves are used, then vibration damping is provided, but assembly complexity increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (donut-shaped rubber grommet, metal compression limiter sleeve, and mounting post interface) into a single integrated elastomeric spool-shaped grommet. This unified component provides both vibration damping and structural attachment functions, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate parts and significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool-shaped grommet performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration damping through its elastomeric material, secures the mounting post through its C-shaped receptacle engagement, and allows for tool-free installation. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate components into a single versatile element.
4Reliability
If traditional fastener assemblies with thread cutting bolts are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but thread damage and cross-threading occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the threading mechanism entirely by replacing thread cutting bolts with an elastomeric spool-shaped grommet system. The attachment is achieved through elastic deformation and friction engagement rather than threaded fastening, completely avoiding the risk of thread damage, cross-threading, and other threading-related defects.
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 solution provides efficient vibration damping and noise reduction, simplifies the installation process, eliminates the need for tools, and enhances durability, enabling the use of larger components in constrained spaces while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The spool-shaped isolator mounting grommet is stretched for fitting over the retention barbs
Implementation Method 2
A vibration damping assembly featuring a C-shaped receptacle with a spool-shaped isolator mounting grommet... for effective vibration isolation
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration damping assembly for use with an automotive vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a bracket having a C-shaped receptacle, a component such as an air cleaner housing having an integrally-formed, grommet-holding cylindrical post extending therefrom attached to the bracket, and a spool-shaped isolator mounting grommet attached to the post. The post includes a proximal end integrally attached to the component and a distal end. The distal end includes at least one integrally-formed retention barb and preferably includes two spaced-apart and integrally-formed barbs. The post includes an attachment end attached to the component and an unattached end opposite the attachment end. The barbs are formed on the unattached end. Each barb includes an upper edge extending beyond the unattached end of the post. Each barb includes a ramped, grommet-passing surface. The spool-shaped isolator mounting grommet may be formed from materials such as TPO, TPE, AEM, ECO, and EPDM.