Threaded Stud Clip Assembly for Post-Forming Fastener Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stud clip assemblies require high-tonnage equipment to deform clips after assembly with fastening elements, limiting flexibility in clip geometry and increasing manufacturing costs, as they rely on press or interference fits that necessitate pre-assembly and specific forming processes.
Innovation Solution
A stud clip assembly with a threaded mounting aperture and crimpable collar allows for post-forming assembly, enabling clips to be bent into complex shapes before fastening element insertion, and the crimped collar secures the element, preventing disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If press fit or interference fit is used to assemble clip and fastening element, then secure fastening is achieved, but high-tonnage equipment is required and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical press fit or interference fit system with a threaded engagement system. The fastening element threads into the mounting aperture, eliminating the need for high-tonnage deformation equipment while achieving secure fastening through threaded connection and collar retention.
2Shape
If clip is deformed after assembly with fastening element, then complex clip geometries can be achieved, but high-tonnage equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the deformation action before assembly rather than after. The clip is formed into its final complex geometry, then the fastening element is threaded into the pre-formed mounting aperture. This eliminates the need for high-tonnage equipment during post-assembly deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional sequence by forming the clip geometry first, then assembling the fastening element through threading. This reverses the traditional approach of assembling first and deforming later, eliminating the need for high-tonnage post-assembly equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threaded portion is formed in mounting aperture, then post-forming assembly is enabled, but manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the formation of the threaded portion with the creation of the mounting aperture itself. The threaded features are integrated into the aperture structure, allowing post-forming assembly without adding separate manufacturing steps. The collar is also integrated as part of the retention mechanism.
4Reliability
If collar is crimped onto fastening element, then disassembly is prevented, but additional manufacturing step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The collar serves dual functions: it acts as a retaining feature during assembly and then serves as a permanent lock after crimping. The crimping action transforms the collar into a self-locking component that prevents disassembly without requiring additional active retention mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A stud clip assembly is provided. The stud clip assembly includes a clip having a mounting platform and a retention platform. The mounting platform includes a mounting bore that extends away from the retention platform and that defines a mounting aperture. The mounting aperture includes a threaded portion formed therein and a collar arranged at a first end thereof. The stud clip assembly further includes a fastening element configured to be threaded into the threaded portion of the mounting aperture. The collar is configured to be crimped onto the fastening element.