Automotive Trim Fastener Doghouse With Elastic Tab Clipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of automotive trim pieces often requires ergonomically unfriendly positions due to challenges in accessing installation locations and methods, leading to discomfort for workers, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for concealed fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle part assembly featuring a clipping mechanism that spans the periphery of a fastener receiving means, with a channel and elastic tab configuration to secure a fastener doghouse, providing a snap-fit connection and partial interference fit for improved ergonomics and secure fastening without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used to secure trim pieces, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but the fasteners become visible on the exterior of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior of the trim piece. The fastener receives a portion of the trim piece that extends into the interior, allowing the fastening mechanism to be hidden from external view while maintaining secure attachment to the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is nested within the trim piece structure itself. The fastener receives an interior portion of the trim piece, creating a nested configuration where the fastening mechanism is contained within the trim piece's interior space rather than being exposed on the exterior surface.
2Reliability
If workers use conventional installation positions to fasten trim pieces, then the fastening can be accomplished, but the workers experience ergonomic discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The trim piece is segmented into distinct functional portions: an exterior portion for aesthetic purposes, an interior portion for fastening, and a fastener receive portion that extends into the interior. This segmentation allows the fastening operation to be performed from accessible exterior positions while the fastener works internally to secure the piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener receive portion acts as an intermediary element that transmits the fastening force from the interior fastener to the exterior trim piece. This intermediary structure allows workers to apply fastening forces from ergonomic exterior positions while the actual fastening occurs through the interior portion.
3Productivity
If the fastener doghouse is allowed to exit the channel during tightening, then the fastening process can be completed, but the installation becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining feature is pre-configured within the channel to automatically engage with the fastener doghouse during the tightening process. This preliminary arrangement ensures that as the fastener is tightened, the retaining feature proactively prevents the doghouse from exiting the channel, maintaining reliability throughout the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining feature provides continuous feedback during the tightening process by mechanically engaging with the fastener doghouse. This engagement creates a feedback mechanism that ensures the doghouse remains properly positioned within the channel throughout fastening, preventing unreliable installation outcomes.
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
Enhances installation ergonomics by allowing secure fastening of vehicle parts like decorative grille inserts with reduced strain on installers, ensuring a snug fit and preventing fastener exit during tightening, thus improving worker comfort and installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic tab configured to interface with a fastener doghouse to adjust an assembly force during an insertion of the fastener doghouse into the channel
Implementation Method 2
The channel may be shaped to receive the fastener doghouse with at least a partial interference fit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fastener doghouse (4) of a vehicle part (1) is provided. The fastener doghouse includes fastener receiving means (9) configured to receive a fastener, wherein the fastener receiving means extends from the vehicle part to enable insertion of the fastener receiving means into a housing on a vehicle, and clipping means (3) configured to interact with the housing to retain the fastener receiving means within the housing in response to a force associated with receipt of the fastener.