Windshield Trim Clip Assembly for Non-Destructive Panel Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automobile trim panels are designed to break upon disassembly, requiring lengthy and intrusive repairs due to thin materials and single-use locking mechanisms, making it difficult to disassemble and reassemble without replacing broken fastener elements.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive fastening assembly comprising a thicker trim panel, a clip, and an anchor fastener with anchor wings and ridges, allowing modular disassembly and reassembly, featuring a spring-steel fastener clip and a plastic anchor fastener that can be retrofitted, enabling secure attachment without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional thin trim panels with single-use locking mechanisms are used, then the initial assembly is simple, but the trim panel breaks upon disassembly requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a reusable anchor fastener with multiple anchor wings that remains in the fixture, and a removable clip that attaches to the trim panel. This segmentation allows the trim panel and clip to be disassembled and reassembled multiple times without breaking the anchor fastener or requiring replacement of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the trim panel from thin to thick, and changes the fastener mechanism from a single-use locking design to a reusable elastic clip design. These parameter changes enable the trim panel to withstand repeated disassembly and reassembly cycles without breaking.
2Weight of moving object
If thin material trim panels are used, then the overall vehicle weight is reduced, but the structural stability at fastening points is insufficient leading to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system uses composite construction with an elastic clip material that provides both flexibility for attachment and sufficient strength for repeated use. The thicker trim panel material at the fastening point creates a composite structure that maintains overall vehicle weight reduction while providing localized strength where needed.
3Reliability
If single-use locking fastener elements are used, then the initial assembly is secure, but the fastener breaks and requires replacement upon disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic clip is designed with dynamic properties that allow it to flex and deform during attachment and disassembly, then return to its original shape. This dynamic behavior enables the clip to be reused multiple times without breaking, unlike static single-use locking mechanisms. The elastic deformation absorbs the stress of repeated assembly cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener mechanism changes from a single-use locking design to a reusable elastic clip design, fundamentally altering the operational parameters from disposable to multiple-use. This parameter change enables the fastener to maintain reliability across multiple assembly and disassembly cycles.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional trim panels are designed to break upon tampering, then security against theft is improved, but repair time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fastening system into a permanent anchor and a removable clip, the invention allows legitimate owners to easily remove and reattach trim panels without breaking components. Theft prevention is maintained through the secure anchor installation, while repair time is reduced because the clip and trim panel can be quickly disassembled and reassembled without replacement.
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
Facilitates easy and non-destructive disassembly and reassembly of trim panels, reducing repair time and costs by providing a durable and modular fastening solution that maintains structural stability and can be used as an aftermarket replacement for OEM trim clips.
Implementation Method 1
The non-destructive trim fastener assembly is constructed from resilient materials, such as, but not limited to spring-steel
Data Source
AI summary
The non-destructive fastener clip is a suitable aftermarket replacement for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) trim clip. These OEM trim clips often break upon disassembly from removing an automotive trim panel from an automotive fixture. The non-destructive fastener clip assembly contains an anchor fastener, and a fastener clip. The anchor fastener comprises an anchoring element and a receiving element. The fastener clip comprises an upper fastener portion, a lower fastener portion, at least one connecting element, and at least one latching element. The anchoring element is connected terminally adjacent to the receiving element. The at least one connecting element is distributed about the lower fastener portion. The at least one latching element is distributed about the upper fastener portion. Each of the at least one connecting element is connected adjacent to the receiving element.