U-Shaped Spring Fastener with Adaptive Engagement Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fasteners have a high insertion force to removal force ratio, leading to ergonomic issues, inadequate security on vehicles with varying sheet metal curvatures and thicknesses, and poor performance under environmental conditions such as vibration, and they do not accommodate production tolerances effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring U-shaped structure with engagement springs that adapt to variations in slot thickness and curvature, providing a low insertion force while maintaining high extraction force, and incorporating hindrance portions and gussets to enhance Lever/Angle pulling force and vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fasteners are designed to provide high removal resistance, then security and reliability are improved, but insertion force becomes excessively high causing ergonomic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener employs a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts its engagement characteristics. During insertion, the spring compresses to allow easy entry, then expands to provide high retention force during removal, creating different mechanical states for different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a spring element for force modulation, engagement portions for mechanical interlocking, and hindrance portions for directional control. Each segment contributes differently to insertion versus removal forces
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fasteners are designed for simple structure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but Lever/Angle pulling force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates hindrance portions that engage with the slot at angled orientations rather than just axial alignment. This dimensional change in engagement geometry provides mechanical advantage for Lever/Angle pulling while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portions and hindrance portions are asymmetrically configured to provide different mechanical characteristics for different loading directions, enabling high Lever/Angle pulling force without requiring symmetric reinforcement throughout the entire structure
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional fasteners are designed with fixed geometry, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying sheet metal conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the fastener to automatically adjust its engagement depth and force distribution to accommodate variations in slot thickness and curvature while maintaining consistent geometric features for manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design allows the spring compression parameter to vary in response to slot conditions, enabling the same geometrically precise component to adapt to different thicknesses and curvatures through elastic deformation rather than requiring geometric changes
4Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners are designed for low insertion force, then ease of operation is improved, but extraction force becomes insufficient for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element creates dynamic force characteristics where low insertion force is achieved during the compression phase, then high extraction force is generated during the expansion phase, providing ergonomically favorable insertion with secure retention
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 fastener achieves ergonomic advantages by reducing operator strain, securely attaching panels with low insertion force, adapting to various sheet metal conditions, and minimizing noise and vibration, thus improving assembly efficiency and vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement springs have an engagement region operable to adapt to variations or movement of a slot
Implementation Method 2
minimizing noise and vibration
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a fastener comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side is connected to the second side thereby forming a U-shaped structure. The fastener further comprises a bottom portion wherein the first side and the second side are connected, and a top portion opposite the bottom portion. The first side comprises a first engagement spring. The first engagement spring is connected to the first side in the vicinity of the bottom portion. The engagement springs have inward facing gussets connected to the bottom portion. The second side comprises a second engagement spring. The second engagement spring is connected to the second side in the vicinity of the bottom portion. A cavity is formed between the first side and the second side as will be described below. The engagement springs include an engagement region operable to adapt to variations or movement of a slot.