Tool-Free Decoupling Fastener Assembly for Vehicle Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional decoupling elements for motor vehicle attachments require additional production time and tools for assembly, such as screws and torque wrenches, which complicates the manufacturing and installation process.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device comprising two identical components made of thermoplastics, featuring a base plate with central breakthrough and cylinder wall segments, which can be easily assembled without screws by inserting spring elements into the bolt flanks, thus forming a decoupling assembly with an elastomeric decoupling element for vibration decoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional decoupling elements are used with screws and nuts, then reliable fastening is achieved, but assembly time increases and additional tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fastening function from the decoupling element itself and integrates it into a separate fastening device that can be easily attached and detached. This allows the decoupling element to be pre-assembled without fasteners, while the fastening device provides the necessary secure connection when attached to the bolt.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: the decoupling element and the fastening device. The fastening device itself is segmented into a holder portion and a fastening portion that can be assembled separately and then combined, allowing for efficient production and flexible assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional decoupling elements with multiple components are used, then adequate fastening function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the fastening function with the decoupling element by integrating a fastening device that attaches to the bolt. This combination provides both vibration decoupling and secure fastening in a single integrated solution, reducing the need for separate components like washers, nuts, and screws.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device is designed to be universally applicable to standard bolts and screw connections in the automotive industry. The holder portion can accommodate various bolt sizes, and the fastening portion provides universal fastening capability, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different mounting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional decoupling elements are used, then vibration decoupling is achieved, but weight increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration decouplingVSAvoidassembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling element is made from elastomeric material that forms a flexible, vibration-damping structure. This flexible element provides effective vibration decoupling while being significantly lighter than traditional metal fastening components like nuts, washers, and multiple screws would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Reliability

If conventional decoupling elements requiring wrenches are used, then secure fastening is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening securityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is designed to be self-servicing during assembly. The holder portion with its opening structure allows the fastening device to be manually attached to the bolt without requiring external tools like wrenches. The fastening portion then secures the connection through its own mechanical engagement features, making the entire operation tool-free and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for additional tools and components, reducing production time and weight, while ensuring effective vibration decoupling and damping of body sounds.

Implementation Method 1

spring elements arranged on the upper side of the base plate on the side of each cylinder wall segment facing the opening are designed to engage in threaded flanks of a bolt inserted into the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a decoupling element (30) made of an elastomeric material, wherein the decoupling element (30) encloses the hollow cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelastic damping: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4285039B1Fastening element and decoupling assembly

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 AUDI AG

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Figure 4~5

AI summary

A fastening element (10) and a decoupling assembly (100) comprising the fastening element (10), for add-on parts connected to a body structure (400) of a motor vehicle, a method for producing the decoupling assembly (100) and for fitting same.