Winged Locator Cap Fastener for Rigid Panel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners used in vehicle assemblies, such as automobiles, lack the ability to rigidly control the position within a hole and provide a seal, leading to inadequate locating performance and movement control.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly comprising a fastener body with angled wings, a locator cap with overmolded seal, and opposing slots that engage the fastener body's wings, ensuring secure positioning and sealing within a panel opening, thereby controlling movement in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a W-shaped base fastener is used, then the fastener can be inserted into the panel opening, but it can only control movement in a single direction and cannot rigidly position the fastener within the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener base is segmented into multiple wings (typically three or more) radiating from a central stem, with each wing having a tip that engages with the panel opening perimeter. This segmentation allows the fastener to control movement in multiple directions simultaneously, transforming the single-direction control limitation into multi-directional rigid positioning capability.
2Reliability
If a fastener with multiple wings is used to control movement in multiple directions, then locating performance improves, but the fastener cannot provide a seal around the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated fastener structure: the multi-wing locating mechanism and the sealing function. The wings serve dual purposes - they provide rigid positioning control while simultaneously forming a mechanical seal against the panel opening perimeter, preventing dust and debris ingress without requiring additional sealing components.
3Reliability
If the fastener wings are made larger to improve sealing, then sealing performance improves, but the fastener becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the wings, specifically the angle between adjacent wings (typically between 60-120 degrees) and the radial distance of wing tips from the stem. By carefully selecting these parameters, the fastener achieves effective sealing with moderate wing size, avoiding excessive complexity while maintaining sealing performance. The stem diameter and wing thickness are also optimized to balance sealing effectiveness with manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly includes a fastener body, a locator cap, and a seal. The fastener body can include a first wing and a second wing that extend from a stem. The first wing can define a first wing tip and the second wing can define a second wing tip. The locator cap can include a top flange and a base. The top flange can define an opening to an interior of the base. A first slot can be formed in the base and can be dimensioned to receive the first wing. A second slot can be formed in the base opposite the first slot and can be dimensioned to receive the second wing. The seal can be in contact with the top flange.