Trim Fastener With Integrated Dual-Side Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymeric fasteners and combinations with metal clips used in automobile vehicles often fail to provide adequate sealing against fluid leakage from the opposite panel side, requiring additional components that are costly and labor-intensive to install.
Innovation Solution
A trim fastener system featuring a first fastener portion with deflecting wings and a second resilient seal member, where the wings are elastically deflectable toward a post, and through bores temporarily receive wing enclosure elements, creating a fluid-tight seal and frictional retention without the need for multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single resilient seal member is used to provide sealing, then the sealing capability against fluid leakage from the opposite panel side is improved, but the component complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated resilient seal member. This seal member includes a first seal portion for sealing against fluid leakage from one panel side and a second seal portion for sealing against fluid leakage from the opposite panel side, both integrated into one component rather than using separate seal members.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient seal member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first seal portion with a first seal surface for sealing against fluid leakage from one panel side, and a second seal portion with a second seal surface for sealing against fluid leakage from the opposite panel side. This segmentation allows each portion to address specific sealing needs while remaining part of a single integrated component.
2Reliability
If multiple seal members and threaded fasteners are used to provide adequate sealing, then the sealing capability is improved, but the installation labor and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple seal members and threaded fasteners into a single integrated resilient seal member that is installed as one component. This eliminates the need for separate installation steps for multiple components, thereby improving installation efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient seal member is designed to be self-retaining through its deflectable wings that engage with the panel aperture wall, eliminating the need for additional threaded fasteners to secure the seal member in place. This self-service mechanism simplifies installation and reduces the number of components required.
3Strength
If deflectable wings are used to retain the fastener, then the retention capability is improved, but the sealing against fluid leakage from the opposite panel side deteriorates due to leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient seal member provides different local qualities for different functions: the first seal portion with its first seal surface provides sealing quality for preventing fluid leakage from one panel side, while the second seal portion with its second seal surface provides sealing quality for preventing fluid leakage from the opposite panel side. The deflectable wings provide retention capability in a different local region without compromising the sealing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the resilient seal member into distinct functional portions: seal portions for fluid sealing and deflectable wings for retention. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function without interfering with other functions, thereby achieving both effective sealing and retention capability simultaneously.
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 system effectively seals against fluid leakage from both panel sides, reduces component complexity and installation costs, and ensures reliable retention of the fastener, enhancing sealing efficiency and reducing labor expenses.
Implementation Method 1
first and second deflecting wings connected to an end of the post, each elastically deflectable toward the post
Implementation Method 2
A second resilient seal member integrally connected to a seal surface of the first resilient seal member
Implementation Method 3
The wing maximum extension portions thereafter frictionally retain the trim fastener in contact with the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A trim fastener includes a first fastener portion having a post, and first and second deflecting wings connected to an end of the post, each having a wing extending member, the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflectable toward the post. A second fastener portion connected to the first fastener portion includes a first resilient seal member. A second resilient seal member is integrally connected to a seal surface of the first resilient seal member. The second resilient seal member includes first and second wing enclosure portions connected to the wing extending members of the first and second deflecting wings. First and second through bores are oppositely positioned about the post. The first and second through bores temporarily collapse when receiving portions of the first and second wing enclosure portions when the first and second deflecting wings elastically deflect toward the post.