Unidirectional Retention Fastener for Vehicle Substrate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems in vehicle environments are prone to instability and loss during disassembly, requiring multiple assembly steps and tools, and lack a robust connection mechanism that retains the fastener on the substrate.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with a pre-assembled unidirectional retention member, such as a conical collar, that passes through a mounting hole of the substrate in one direction, ensuring retention and simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing the complexity of assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clips or screws are used to connect vehicle parts, then the connection can be established, but the fastener may become unstable or get lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastener and substrate into a single integrated assembly where the fastener is pre-assembled to the substrate. The unidirectional retention member is integrated with the fastener shaft, creating a unified structure that cannot be separated once assembled, thereby eliminating the risk of fastener loss while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The unidirectional retention member acts as an intermediary element between the fastener shaft and substrate. It allows insertion in one direction but prevents removal, serving as a mediator that enables easy assembly while ensuring reliable retention without requiring complex multi-step assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If screws consisting of several parts are used, then the connection can be established, but multiple assembling steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastener components into a single integrated fastener structure. The unidirectional retention member, shaft, and head are combined into one piece that is pre-assembled to the substrate, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps while maintaining robust connection through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is pre-assembled to the substrate before final installation. The unidirectional retention member is already positioned on the shaft, and the entire assembly is prepared in advance, allowing for a single-step installation process rather than requiring multiple sequential assembly operations.
3Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used, then connection can be established, but additional tools are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The unidirectional retention member is designed to be self-installing through the substrate mounting hole without requiring external tools. The conical shape allows the fastener to be inserted and retained through simple push-in action, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring additional assembly tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The unidirectional retention member serves as an intermediary that enables tool-free assembly. Its conical geometry allows it to pass through the substrate hole under insertion force and then prevents removal, acting as a mediator that translates simple linear motion into secure retention without requiring rotational tools or other specialized instruments.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener is provided to be pre-assembled to a substrate. The fastener comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a thread portion adjacent to the second end; a head disposed on the first end; and a unidirectional retention member between the head and the thread portion. The unidirectional retention member is configured to pass through a mounting hole of the substrate in one direction such that the fastener is retained on the substrate once the unidirectional retention member has passed through the mounting hole.