Stapling Fastener With Correct Assembly Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the automotive industry, stapling fasteners face challenges in ensuring the quality and mechanical resistance of connections, particularly in verifying the correct assembly of airbags to steering wheels, where visual inspection is difficult and there is a risk of semi-locked states or incomplete insertion.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a deformable hooking element and a correct assembly control indicator, where the indicator can only move into the control position when the hooking element is fully inserted, ensuring the clamping surface returns to its correct position, and the indicator is designed to prevent premature disengagement or misalignment, using a metal clip and plastic indicator with locking lugs and flexible tabs for reliable assembly verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stapling fastener is used to assemble parts, then mechanical strength and rigidity are improved, but the ability to verify correct assembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A control indicator is introduced as an intermediary element that mediates between the hooking element and the external observer. The indicator visually signals whether the hooking element is in the correct locked position or not, solving the verification problem without compromising the mechanical strength provided by the stapling fastener.
Solution Approach 2:
The control indicator utilizes visual appearance changes (such as color differences or visibility states) to indicate the assembly status. When the hooking element is correctly positioned, the indicator displays a specific visual state that allows easy verification of correct assembly while maintaining the structural integrity of the fastener.
2Ease of operation
If a deformable hooking element is used to allow elastic retraction, then ease of insertion is improved, but reliability of locked position is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control indicator provides immediate visual feedback about the position of the hooking element. This feedback mechanism ensures that the operator can verify the hooking element has reached its fully inserted and locked position, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the ease of insertion provided by the deformable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically indicate its own status through the control indicator. The indicator self-activates based on the position of the hooking element, eliminating the need for additional verification steps and ensuring that the reliability of the locked position is maintained through automatic status display.
3Ease of operation
If the clamping face retracts elastically during insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control indicator is pre-configured to display its initial state before insertion begins. As the hooking element is inserted and the clamping face retracts, the indicator transitions through defined positions that guide the operator through the insertion process, ensuring that despite the elastic deformation, the final positioned precision is achieved.
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 a robust and reliable method for verifying correct assembly, ensuring high mechanical strength and preventing misinsertion or partial locking, suitable for various automotive components like airbags, steering wheels, and other safety features.
Implementation Method 1
said gripping element being designed in such a way that said gripping face retracts elastically towards the inside of the staple transversely to said axial direction when the gripping element hook is pushed through the workpiece and the support part
Implementation Method 2
the clamping face springing back to the outside of the clip to occupy a clamping position on the support part as soon as the hooking element is in the said fully inserted position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~14
AI summary
A clamping fastening device for joining a part (7) to a support part (18) comprises a fastening clip including a deformable hooking element that defines a hooking face (12). This hooking element is designed to be pushed through the part and the support part and is designed with a hooking face that retracts elastically inwards towards the clip. It further comprises a correct assembly indicator (4) of the clip in the hooking position, in the form of a rod that is forced to retract under the effect of the retraction of the hooking face in order to begin being driven into the clip.