Integrated fastener system
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsAdolph G. Galinski, Kileean E. Bell, Timothy D. Pearson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling a first component to a second component via an integrated fastener. The component assembly includes a first component having a first surface and a second surface. An integrated fastener extending from the second surface and configured to attach the first component adjacent to the second component. The first component and the integrated fastener are formed as a unitary structure using, for example, an additive manufacturing process. The integrated fastener can include a clip assembly with one or more retention features extending outwardly from the integrated fastener at an end opposite the first component.
Claims20
A vehicular assembly for forming a connection with an opening in a primary component of a vehicle, the vehicular assembly comprising:
- a secondary component of the vehicle having a first surface and a second surface;
- and
- an integrated fastener extending from the second surface of the secondary component and configured to attach the secondary component adjacent to the primary component,
- wherein the secondary component and the integrated fastener are formed integrally as a single, unitary structure,
- wherein the integrated fastener comprises a clip assembly with one or more retention features extending outwardly from the integrated fastener at an end opposite the secondary component,
- wherein the integrated fastener comprises a plurality of integrally formed layers of material arranged in a layerwise build pattern extending away from the second surface, and
- wherein the one or more retention features and intervening portions of the integrated fastener are defined by the layerwise build pattern such that the retention features are formed continuously across multiple of the layers without discrete interfaces.
A vehicular assembly for forming a connection with a first component having an opening, the vehicular assembly comprising:
- a second component having a first surface and a second surface;
- and
- an integrated fastener defining a central longitudinal axis extending from the second surface and configured to attach the second component adjacent to the first component,
- wherein the second component and the integrated fastener are formed as a unitary structure,
- wherein the integrated fastener comprises a clip assembly having three retention features resiliently coupled to a body and configured to retain the integrated fastener relative to the first component via an opening in the first component,
- wherein each of the three retention features is angled away from the central longitudinal axis and is configured to deflect inward toward the central longitudinal axis as the clip assembly is passed through the opening in the first component, and
- wherein the three retention features are spaced about the central longitudinal axis from one another by 120 degrees.
A vehicular assembly for forming a connection with a structural component of a vehicle having an opening, the vehicular assembly comprising:
- a trim component of the vehicle having a first surface and a second surface;
- and
- an integrated fastener-extending from the second surface and configured to attach the trim component adjacent to the structural component of the vehicle,
- wherein the trim component and the integrated fastener are formed integrally as a single, unitary structure,
- wherein the integrated fastener comprises a clip assembly with one or more retention features extending outwardly from the integrated fastener at an end opposite the trim component,
- wherein the integrated fastener comprises a plurality of integrally formed layers of material arranged in a layerwise build pattern extending away from the second surface, and
- wherein the one or more retention features and intervening portions of the integrated fastener are defined by the layerwise build pattern such that the one or more retention features are formed continuously across multiple of the layers without discrete interfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.