Stud Fastener Retention Structure for Blind Close-Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening techniques for automotive components, such as stud fasteners, lack reliability and efficiency in forming secure blind connections between closely positioned panels, particularly in blind, close-panel assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A stud fastener system with a body featuring three or more retention features angled toward a central longitudinal axis, which are resiliently coupled to the sidewall and configured to retain a stud, providing a stable and secure engagement by deflecting outward as the stud passes through, and optionally including secondary retention features and shims for enhanced stability and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stud fasteners are used for blind close-panel assembly, then the fastening can be achieved between panels, but the assembly complexity increases and reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional components: a fastener body with retention features, a separate clip-attachment structure, and integration with the first component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall assembly process and improving reliability through specialized functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud fastener is nested within the hollow space of the fastener body, with the stud positioned inside the retention features. The clip-attachment structure is integrated with the fastener body, creating a nested configuration that reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining fastening reliability.
2Reliability
If additional clip-attachment structures are used to enhance fastening security, then fastening reliability improves, but device complexity and part numbers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention features are merged with the fastener body as an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate retention components. The clip-attachment structure is merged with the fastener body, creating a unified assembly that reduces part numbers while maintaining enhanced fastening security through the combined functional elements.
3Length of stationary object
If closely positioned panel assembly is achieved using traditional fasteners, then panel proximity is maintained, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener body serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection between panels, houses the retention features for securing the stud, and integrates the clip-attachment structure for enhanced fastening. This multi-functionality allows closely positioned panel assembly while reducing the need for additional components, thereby lowering manufacturing cost and simplifying production.
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 stud fastener system ensures reliable and secure fastening with reduced part numbers and assembly complexity, allowing for closer panel alignment without the need for additional clip-attachment structures, while additive manufacturing techniques lower manufacturing costs and enable precise component creation.
Implementation Method 1
three or more retention features resiliently coupled to an interior surface of the sidewall and configured to retain the stud within the hollow space. The retention features are angled toward the central longitudinal axis and are configured to deflect outward from the central longitudinal axis as the stud passes through the hollow space
Data Source
AI summary
The body defines a central longitudinal axis and includes a sidewall that defines a hollow space configured to receive the stud. The three or more retention features are resiliently coupled to an interior surface of the sidewall and configured to retain the stud within the hollow space. Each of the three or more retention features are angled toward the central longitudinal axis and are configured to deflect outward from the central longitudinal axis as the stud passes through the hollow space. In some examples, the stud fastener is fabricated via an additive manufacturing technique.