Tethered Stud Clip Assembly to Prevent Fastener Misplacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener assemblies, such as weld stud and nut assemblies, are prone to misplacement and require separate components to be searched for and assembled, making the installation process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A tethered stud clip is designed as a single, integrally molded piece with a flexible tether connecting a nut retainer and a nut, allowing them to fold together securely, preventing separation and simplifying the installation process by forming a single, snapable unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate components (nut and panel) are used in fastener assembly, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but component misplacement and loss occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nut and panel into a single integrally molded fastener assembly where the nut is permanently attached to the panel via a tether connection. This merging eliminates the risk of component misplacement and loss while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through single-piece molding processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used in fastener assembly, then adaptability is improved, but installation time increases due to searching and assembling
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is pre-attached to the panel during the molding process, creating a ready-to-install fastener assembly. This preliminary action eliminates the need for workers to search for and assemble separate components during installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining design adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (panel, nut, and tether connection) into a single integrally molded unit. This reduces the number of discrete parts and assembly steps while preserving all necessary fastening functions, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
4Ease of repair
If separate components are used, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability during operation deteriorates due to component separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible tether connection that allows the nut to move and fold relative to the panel during installation and operation, while maintaining a secure mechanical bond. This dynamic connection preserves assembly integrity during use while enabling straightforward replacement of the entire molded unit if needed.
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 tethered stud clip securely couples fasteners to components, reducing the risk of misplacement and simplifying installation by forming a single, easily assembled unit that can be quickly and efficiently attached, enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing the likelihood of lost components.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tether that integrally connects the first portion to the second portion. The first portion is configured to fold relative to the second portion via the flexible tether into a folded state
Implementation Method 2
The first portion may snapably lock to the second portion in the folded state
Data Source
AI summary
A stud clip is configured to securely couple a fastener to a component. The stud clip includes a first portion, a second portion that is configured to retain a portion of a fastener, and a flexible tether that integrally connects the first portion to the second portion. The first portion is configured to fold relative to the second portion via the flexible tether into a folded state. The stud clip is moveable between the folded state and an extended state in which the second portion is distally located from the first portion.