CN117329219A - Anti-shaking fir mounting piece - Google Patents

Abstract

This document describes a shake-resistant fir-tree mount for attaching a component to a support structure. In aspects, the anti-shake fir-tree mount is configured for reducing lateral movement of the anti-shake fir-tree mount during use. In some implementations, the device may include a body portion having a base with a mounting portion extending from the base. The mounting portion is configured for insertion into a mounting hole defined in the first side of the support structure. The mounting portion has: installing a stud; first and second branches extending from the mounting stud; the second branch being spaced apart from the first branch, the first branch being positioned between the body portion and the second branch, the second branch may include an upper side facing the body portion, the first branch may include: a lower side surface facing an upper side surface of the second branch; and a flange member extending from the lower side, the flange member configured to contact the upper side during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion.

Description

Anti-shaking fir mounting piece

Incorporated by reference

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 63/367,461, filed on 30 at 6/2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

An example fir-tree mount includes a resilient mounting portion having a mounting stud and a plurality of flexible branches (e.g., cores) extending outwardly from the mounting stud. The branches (e.g., ribs, fins) are configured for deformation (bending) primarily in a direction parallel to the insertion of the mounting stud into the mounting hole. In some cases, a first portion of the branches may pass completely through the mounting hole and spring back to engage the back of the support structure to retain the fir-tree mount in the hole, while a second portion of the branches is retained in a curved position in the hole to provide lateral support for the mounting portion in the hole. The fir tree mount may include a subject support configured to attach to a component.

Due to severe shock (e.g., jounce, bounce, vibration) that may occur during some use cases, the lateral support provided by the second portion of the branch may be limited and the gap between the mounting stud and the distal end of the second portion of the branch may allow the mounting stud to move within the bore. The movement may include one or more of side-to-side movement, rocking movement, and/or tilting movement (collectively "lateral movement"), and may result in movement of the fir tree mount from the mounting position to the displaced position. In the installed position, the mounting stud may be centered with respect to the axis of the mounting hole. In the displaced position, the mounting stud may be closer or further from the distal end of the second portion of the branch. The change from the installed position to the displaced position is undesirable because lateral movement of the fir-tree mount may result in a change in the position of the component attached to the fir-tree mount (e.g., a change in the position of the elongated article attached to the fir-tree mount), potentially resulting in noise sources and/or damage to the attached component.

Disclosure of Invention

This document describes a shake-resistant fir-tree mount for attaching a component to a support structure. In aspects, the anti-shake fir-tree mount is configured for reducing lateral movement of the anti-shake fir-tree mount during use.

In general, in one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that may include a body portion configured for positioning adjacent a first side of a support structure, the body portion having a bottom. The device may further include a mounting portion extending from a bottom of the body portion, the mounting portion configured for insertion into a mounting hole defined in the first side of the support structure, the mounting portion comprising: installing a stud; a first branch extending from the mounting stud; a second branch extending from the mounting stud, the second branch being spaced apart from the first branch, the first branch being positioned between the body portion and the second branch, the first branch and the second branch being configured for deflecting in a direction of the body portion upon insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole, the second branch may include an upper side facing the body portion, the first branch may include: a lower side surface facing an upper side surface of the second branch; and a flange member extending from the underside, the flange member configured to contact an upper side of the second branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion.

This summary is provided to introduce a simplified concepts of anti-shake firtree that are further described in the detailed description that follows and that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

Details of one or more aspects of the anti-shake fir tree mount are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like numerals may be used to refer to like features and/or components in different instances.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one aspect of an anti-shake firtree mount installed in a hole of a support structure.

Fig. 2 is a partial view of the aspect of fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the anti-shake fir-tree mount of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 4A is a partial view of the anti-shake fir tree mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a partial view of another example anti-shake fir tree mount.

FIG. 4C is a partial view of a further example anti-shake fir tree mount.

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the anti-shake fir tree mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the anti-shake fir tree mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the anti-shake fir tree mount of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the anti-shake fir-tree mount of FIG. 3, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of an aspect of a second anti-shake fir tree mount.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a third anti-shake fir tree mount.

Detailed Description

SUMMARY

This document describes a shake-resistant fir-tree mount for attaching a component to a support structure. Aspects described in this disclosure address the technical problems associated with lateral movement of an installed fir tree mount during use. By reducing lateral movement of the fir tree mount, the position of the attachment member relative to the support structure is maintained, which can eliminate noise sources, protect the member from damage, and have other benefits.

In one example, a described anti-shake fir-tree mount includes a body portion configured for positioning adjacent a first side of a support structure, the body portion having a bottom. The firtree mount may further include a mounting portion extending from a bottom of the body portion, the mounting portion configured for insertion into a mounting hole defined in the support structure first side, the mounting portion comprising: installing a stud; a first branch extending from the mounting stud; a second branch extending from the mounting stud, the second branch being spaced apart from the first branch, the first branch being positioned between the body portion and the second branch, the first branch and the second branch being configured for deflecting in a direction of the body portion upon insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole, the second branch may include an upper side facing the body portion, the first branch may include: a lower side surface facing an upper side surface of the second branch; and a flange member extending from the lower side, the flange member configured to contact the upper side of the second branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion.

This is merely one example of how the described anti-shake fir-tree mount can be used to address the technical problems associated with lateral movement of the mounted fir-tree mount. Other examples and implementations are also described in this document.

Example Environment

In aspects, the described anti-shake fir tree mount is configured to attach a component to a support structure at a mounting hole defined in the support structure. An environmental cross-sectional view of one aspect of an anti-shake fir tree mount 100 (fir tree mount 100) is shown in fig. 1. The environment shown in FIG. 1 includes a support structure 10, for example, at mounting holes 20 defined in support structure 10, an anti-shake fir-tree mount 100 may be attached to support structure 10. The support structure 10 may include one or more of a panel (e.g., door panel, trunk panel, wheel well panel, instrument panel), machine frame, machine rail, vehicle frame, vehicle chassis, threshold panel, object surface, etc.

In fig. 1, the support structure 10 is shown as a panel 12. The panel 12 has a first side 14 opposite a second side 16. Mounting holes 20 extend from the first side 14 to the second side 16 and define a panel thickness therebetween. In various aspects, the mounting hole 20 is circular, oval, rectilinear, or other shape.

Anti-shake fir tree mount 100 includes a mounting portion 102 and a body portion 160. Mounting portion 102 has mounting studs 104, which mounting studs 104 are configured for mounting fir-tree mount 100 to support structure 10. The mounting portion 102 further includes a plurality of branches 112 extending outwardly from the mounting stud 104. In aspects, the mounting stud 104 includes a cap portion 138, the cap portion 138 configured to receive a portion of a nested branch 140 (e.g., an uppermost branch, a last engaged branch) of the mounting stud 104.

Fir tree mount 100 may be further attached to a component such as component 30 shown in fig. 1. The components may include one or more of channels, panels, elongated articles (e.g., wires, cables, hoses, tubes, pipes, fiber optic cables, conduits, harness assemblies), and the like. Two or more components may be bundled together to form a bundle. In fig. 1, the component 30 is a pipe. May be attached to the component 30 by a connector portion 170, the connector portion 170 may include an object support 180 configured to support an object such as the assembly 30. In fig. 1, the subject support 180 is a cable tie mount having a head 182, the head 182 configured to receive an elongated strap 184. In other aspects, as described below, different forms of connector portion 170 and/or subject support 180 may be used. In various aspects, fir tree mount 100 may not include a connector portion and/or an object support.

Example apparatus

For simplicity, anti-shake fir tree mount 100 is further shown in fig. 2-8, with connector portion 170 not shown. Anti-shake fir tree mount 100 includes a mounting portion 102 and a body portion 160. Mounting portion 102 has mounting studs 104, which mounting studs 104 are configured for mounting fir-tree mount 100 to support structure 10. For example, fir-tree mount 100 is configured such that an installer can apply a push-in force (e.g., an insertion force) on fir-tree mount 100 to insert mounting stud 104 into mounting hole 20 to mount fir-tree mount 100 on support structure 10. In some aspects, during insertion of the mounting stud into the mounting hole, there may be a spacing between the branch and the flange member, allowing the fir tree mount to maintain a low push-in force. The holding strength of the fir tree mount in the mounting hole and the holding strength during pull-out can be maintained (e.g., not lowered) throughout the entire mounting hole. The flange member may provide branch support during pull-out, and the flange member may physically contact one or more adjoining branches during pull-out. In aspects, the flange member does not affect or increase the insertion force for inserting the mounting stud into the mounting hole.

The mounting portion 102 includes a mounting stud 104 and a plurality of branches 112 extending outwardly from the mounting stud 104. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the branch 112 may be a flexible branch configured for deforming (bending) primarily in a direction parallel to the direction of insertion (longitudinal insertion) of the mounting stud 104 into the mounting hole 20 through the first side 14 of the support structure 10. In some cases, first portion 214 of branch 112 may pass completely through mounting hole 20 and spring back to engage second side 16 of support structure 10 to retain fir-tree mount 100 in mounting hole 20, while second portion 216 of branch 112 is retained in a bent position within mounting hole 20, thereby providing lateral support for mounting stud 104 in mounting hole 20. In this manner, branches 112 of fir tree mount 100 engage mounting hole 20, resulting in a pull-out force that resists withdrawal of mounting stud 104 from mounting hole 20. In aspects, when the flange member is capable of removing fir-tree mount 100 from mounting hole 20 within a range of mounting hole sizes (e.g., a range of mounting hole diameter tolerances), the flange member increases the pull-out force.

The mounting portion 102 may be elongated and may be circular, oval or other shape. The mounting portion shown in fig. 1-9 is circular; while in other aspects the mounting portion may be elliptical (e.g., fig. 10). The mounting stud 104 includes a base 206 attached to the body portion 160, an end 210, and a central portion 208 between the base 206 and the end 210. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the end 210 is configured for insertion into the mounting hole 20 through the first side 14 of the support structure 10.

The branch 112 extends outwardly from a central portion 208 of the mounting stud 104. As shown in fig. 3, the branch 112 may extend toward the body portion 160. The branches 112 (e.g., first branch 318, second branch 320) have an upper side (e.g., upper side 326 of first branch 318, upper side 226 of second branch 320) and a lower side (e.g., lower side 328 of first branch 318, lower side 228 of second branch 320). As used herein, "upper" and "lower" refer to the position of one side of the branch relative to the body portion 160, with the upper (first) side facing the body portion 160 and the lower (second) side facing away from the body portion 160. In aspects, the upper (first) side may face away from the body portion and the lower (second) side may face toward the body portion.

As shown in fig. 4A, the branch 112 has a root 230 connected to the mounting stud 104 and an end 232 spaced from the root 230 defining a fin portion 234 therebetween. The branch 112 may taper from the root 230 to the end 232. The end 232 may be sized to fit and engage the root diameter of the cutting thread profile of a mounting hole including a threaded hole.

The branches 112 may be arranged in branch rows spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the mounting stud 104 or a portion thereof. For example, as shown in fig. 5, a first array 522 of branches 112 extending along a first peripheral region of the mounting stud 104 and/or a second array 524 of branches 112 extending along a second peripheral region of the mounting stud 104. In aspects, the branches 112 extend from the central portion 208 at an acute angle (e.g., toward the body portion 160). The branches and/or arrays of branches may be arranged in a circular manner (e.g., extending completely around the mounting studs, extending partially around the mounting studs), a radial manner, etc. In aspects, such as the one shown in fig. 10 (described below), the branches 1012 may be configured in an axially offset or helical thread pattern. For example, a first array 1022 of branches 1012 may be axially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the mounting stud 1004 and spaced from a second array 1024 of branches 1012, thereby defining a helical thread pattern.

In the aspect shown in fig. 3 and 4A, the branches 112 of the mounting portion 102 include a first branch 318 and a second branch 320. In aspects, one or more of the branches 112 may include a flange member 350, the flange member 350 being located on one or both of the upper (first) side or the lower (second) side. In fig. 3 and 4A, the first branch 318 includes a flange member 350, the flange member 350 extending from the underside 328 of the first branch 318 and being defined on the underside of the branch. In aspects, the flange member 350 is located on the fin portion 234 of the branch 112 and may be spaced apart from the root 230 and the end 232. The flange member 350 faces an opposite surface (e.g., the upper side 226) of the second leg 320. The flange member 350 is configured to provide a fulcrum (e.g., a fixed hinge) against which adjacent branches can pivot (bend). For example, in fig. 3 and 4A, the first branch 318 includes a flange member 350, the flange member 350 providing a fulcrum against which the second branch 320 may pivot.

In aspects, inclusion of the flange member 350 does not increase the push-in force, but may limit deflection of the branch 112, allowing entry into the mounting hole 20. When so inserted, flange member 350 can fill the gap between branch 112 and mounting stud 104 and minimize lateral movement of fir-tree mount 100 in mounting hole 20. The flange member 350 can reduce the spacing between the branches 112 at points of contact within the mounting hole 20 geometry.

The flange member 350 shown in fig. 3 and 4A includes a flat portion 402. The flat portion 402 may define at least one of a plane generally perpendicular to the upper side 226 of the second branch 320 or the lower side 328 of the first branch 318. In aspects, the flat portion 402 extends between an outer ramp portion 404 and an inner ramp portion 406. At least one of the outer ramp portion 404 or the inner ramp portion 406 extends away from the branch 112 (e.g., the underside 328 of the first branch 318). In the aspect shown in fig. 4A, the outer ramp portion 404 has a steeper pitch relative to the underside 328 of the first branch 318 than the inner ramp portion 406. In other aspects, the inner ramp portion may have a steeper pitch than the outer ramp portion, or both ramp portions may have the same pitch. The planar portion may be spaced from the underside of the first limb. The inclusion of the flat portion 402 may add more steel and strength to the gap 410 between the upper side 226 of the second leg 320 and the flat portion 402 of the flange member 350 in the mold. In this way the bar in the mould is improved, potentially increasing the life of the mould.

In the aspect shown in fig. 4A, the flange member 350 has a cross-sectional shape that includes a tapered portion represented by an inner ramp portion 406, a cylindrical portion represented by a flat portion 402, and a semi-elliptical portion represented by an outer ramp portion 404. In aspects, the flange member may include one or more of no flat portion, a short flat portion, or a long flat portion. Fig. 4B illustrates another aspect of a flange member 420 having a short flat portion 422, wherein the flange member 420 has a more teardrop or wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape. Fig. 4C illustrates an aspect of a flange member 430 having an elongated flat portion 432, wherein the flange member 430 has a more rectangular or oval cross-sectional shape.

In this manner, flange member 350 is configured to limit deflection of one or more adjacent branches as branch 112 is compressed inwardly during insertion into mounting hole 20. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the flange member 350 shown on the underside 328 of the first branch 318 is configured to limit deflection of the second branch 320 as the branch 112 deflects during insertion of the branch 112 into the mounting hole 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, when compressed toward the mounting stud 104, a gap is defined between the inner side (e.g., upper side 226) of the branch 112 and the mounting stud 104. The presence of flange member 350 results in a reduction and/or removal of the gap and results in a tighter fit of fir-tree mount 100 in mounting hole 20. In various aspects, this results in less lateral movement of the mounting stud 104 in the mounting hole 20 as the branch is compressed inwardly without increasing the push-in force, while increasing the pull-out force required to pull the mounting stud 104 out of the mounting hole 20.

Flange member 350 can be a sphere, a protrusion, a ridge, an expansion, a compression limiter, a deflection limiter, a pivot member, etc., defined on at least one side of branch 112 (e.g., upper side 226, lower side 228, upper side 326, lower side 328, both upper and lower sides). While the outer shape of the flange member 350 shown in fig. 3 and 4A is curved, in other aspects the outer shape of the flange member may be another shape.

Flange member 350 can be located anywhere on the underside (e.g., underside 228, underside 328) or the upper side (e.g., upper side 226, upper side 326) of branch 112 (e.g., first branch 318, second branch 320). In the aspect shown in fig. 4A, a flange member 350 is defined on the underside 328 of the first branch 318. In aspects such as that shown in fig. 4A, the flange member may be positioned by determining a tangent to a flat portion (e.g., flat portion 420) on the upper branch, taking a perpendicular line from the tangent to the branch-based bending point, and using that point to define the starting bending point of the branch. Once the starting point of the branch 112 is determined (e.g., just in the middle of the radius), the starting point of the flange member 350 may be positioned at or adjacent to that location. In aspects, the flange member may be positioned closer to the end of the branch or closer to the root of the branch than shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4C. In various aspects such as fig. 1-10, the branch near the end of the mounting stud may not include a flange member.

In aspects, the mounting stud 104 includes a cap portion 138, the cap portion 138 configured to receive a portion of a nested branch 140 (e.g., an uppermost branch, a last engaged branch) of the mounting stud 104. As shown in fig. 2, 3 and 6, the cap portion 138 may include one or more axially extending flanges 242, the flanges 242 extending from an outer surface 644 (shown in fig. 6) of the mounting stud 104 and being shaped to receive a portion of the nesting branch 140. In this manner, the cap portion 138 allows the nesting branches 140 to deflect (during insertion of the mounting stud 104 into the mounting hole 20) and nest within the cap portion 138 (as shown in fig. 1 and 2). This allows nested branches 140 to rotate and compress, providing less fir tree movement (when installed) without increasing the push-in force. In this manner, the cap portion 138 reduces the gap defined between the inner side (e.g., upper side 226, upper side 326) of the branch 112 and the mounting stud 104. In aspects, one or more of the branches 112 (e.g., nested branches 140) may be shorter than one or more of the other branches. In this configuration, the shorter length of the nesting branch 140 may enable it to better engage with the mounting holes 20 of the panel 12 having a thin panel thickness. Fir tree mount 100 may include at least one of cap portion 138 or flange member 350 as described above.

Fir-tree mount 100 may further include a body portion 160, which body portion 160 is configured to contact first side 14 of support structure 10, limiting longitudinal insertion of mounting portion 102 into mounting hole 20, and thereby preventing fir-tree mount 100 from being pushed completely through mounting hole 20. Thus, the body portion 160 may be configured for positioning adjacent to the first side 14 of the support structure 10 (e.g., the panel 12).

In aspects, the body portion 160 includes a spring portion 262, the spring portion 262 including a stabilizer (e.g., diaphragm spring 264, winged stabilizer, springless stabilizer) having a first end 266, a second end 267, and a bottom 268. As shown in fig. 2, the second end 267 is configured for engaging the first side 14 of the support structure 10. The spring portion 262 is configured to contact the first side 14 of the support structure 10 to limit longitudinal insertion of the mounting portion 102 into the mounting hole 20. As described below, the body portion 160 may support a connector portion 170 as shown in fig. 1, the connector portion 170 being configured for connection with a subject support. In aspects, the diaphragm springs, when compressed during insertion, force a set of branches (e.g., axially offset (staggered) branches, non-staggered branches) on the first side support structure below the second side of the support structure surface to engage a surface below the support structure. After insertion of the mounting portion (e.g., fir tree), a certain amount of branching compression will occur below the support structure surface while a certain amount of diaphragm compression will be maintained; thereby suspending the fir tree mount between the compression element and the support structure surface. The function of the compression diaphragm may be to adjust a set of engagement branches to all different panel thicknesses within a defined thickness range. Without the membrane and/or without the compression membrane, the inserted/installed fir tree mount can be moved along the axis (looseness perceived along the axis) until engaged with a set of branches (e.g., axially offset (staggered) branches, non-staggered branches).

In various aspects, fir tree mount 100 also includes a connector portion 170 that connects with body portion 160. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the connector portion 170 may include a subject support 180 configured to attach to the component 30. The object support 180 may include one or more of a routing component, clip, tooth clip, wire clip, cable clip, clamp, cable tie mount, panel fastener, strap, wire channel, saddle mount, harness anchor, self-securing clamp fastener (e.g., connector clip, binding clip, harness clip, ratchet P-clip, C-clip, docking clip, tubing clip, edge clip, wire clip, push pin, ratchet clip, locking clip), and the like. Object support 180 may also include a moment arm or other structure configured to space attachment member 30 from fir tree mount 100. As shown in fig. 1, the connector portion 170 includes a subject support 180 as a cable tie mount.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial perspective view of a shake-resistant fir-tree mount 100 having a mounting portion 102 with a plurality of branches 112. The branches 112 are arranged in two arrays (first array 522, second array 524). Branch 112 extends from first end 813 to second end 815. At least one of the arrays (e.g., the first array 522) includes a flange member 350 extending along the swept portion of the branch 112 (e.g., a continuous segment extending along the swept portion of the branch, a plurality of flange member segments intermittently extending along at least a portion of the sweep of the branch, a plurality of flange member segments intermittently extending along the entire sweep of the branch).

In another example, FIG. 9 shows an anti-shake fir-tree mount 900 having a mounting portion 902 with a plurality of branches 912. The branches 912 are arranged in two arrays (a first array 922, a second array 924). The branch 912 extends from a first end 913 to a second end 915. At least one of the arrays (e.g., the first array 922) includes a flange member 950 (e.g., a single flange member segment), the flange member 950 extending along the entire sweep of the branch 912, for example as a continuous segment (e.g., an annular segment extending annularly to the longitudinal axis of the mounting stud, an annular segment extending annularly to a limited distance from the longitudinal axis of the mounting stud). For simplicity, the anti-shake fir tree mount 900 is shown without a connector portion.

In other aspects, the anti-shake fir tree mount may be attached to the component via the body portion. For example, the fir-tree mount may be a push-pin fastener (e.g., a plastic rivet) configured for attaching the component to the support structure through a mounting hole defined in the support structure. In this aspect, the spring portion of the body portion retains components (e.g., trunk panel, door panel, wheel cover, instrument panel) to a support structure (e.g., vehicle chassis, vehicle frame).

Referring now to FIG. 10, another aspect of an anti-shake fir tree mount 1000 is shown. Firtree mount 1000 is similar to firtree mount 100 shown in fig. 1-8 and described above, except as detailed below. Accordingly, fir tree mount 1000 includes mounting portion 1002, mounting stud 1004, base 1006, central portion 1008, end 1010, a plurality of branches (e.g., first branch 1012, second branch 1014, third branch 1016, fourth branch 1018), first array 1022, second array 1024, flange member (e.g., flange member 1050, flange member 1052), body portion 1060, and bottom 1068. The branches may include upper and lower sides similar to those shown in fig. 3 and described above. In the aspect shown in fig. 10, first leg 1012 includes an upper side 1026 and a lower side 1028, and second leg 1014 includes an upper side 1027 and a lower side 1029.

While in the aspect shown in fig. 10, flange members 1050 and 1052 are shown in cross-section as teardrop-shaped, in other aspects, the flange members may be another shape (e.g., the shape described above with respect to flange member 350 shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4C). For example, as described with respect to the aspects shown in fig. 4A-4C, the flange members 1050, 1052 may include a flat portion between an outer ramp portion and an inner ramp portion. The outer ramp portion may have a steeper pitch than the inner ramp portion relative to the underside of the first branch. In other aspects, the inner ramp portion may have a steeper pitch than the outer ramp portion, or both ramp portions may have the same pitch. The planar portion may be spaced from the underside of the first limb. The flange member may have a cross-sectional shape including a tapered portion represented by an inner slope portion, a cylindrical portion represented by a flat portion, and a semi-elliptical portion represented by an outer slope portion. In aspects, the flange member may include one or more of no flat portion, a short flat portion, or a long flat portion.

The mounting portion 1002 shown in fig. 10 is elliptical. For simplicity, fir tree mount 1000 is shown without the connector portion. In the aspect shown in fig. 10, the branches are configured in an offset or helical thread pattern. For example, a first array 1022 of branches may be axially spaced along the longitudinal axis of the mounting stud 1004 and spaced from a second array 1024 of branches, thereby defining a helical thread pattern.

In aspects, the mounting stud 1004 includes a cap portion 1038, the cap portion 1038 configured to receive a portion of a nested branch (e.g., an uppermost branch, a last engaged branch) of the mounting stud 1004. The cap portion 1038 can include one or more axially extending flanges (e.g., flange 1042, flange 1043) extending from an outer surface of the mounting stud 1004 that are shaped to receive a portion of a corresponding nesting branch. The cap portion 1038 allows the nested branches to deflect (during insertion of the mounting stud 1004 into the mounting hole) and nest within the cap portion 1038. This allows the nested branches (e.g., nested branch 1040, nested branch 1041) to rotate and compress and provide less fir tree movement (when installed) without increasing the push-in force. In this manner, the cap portion 1038 reduces the gap defined between the inner side (e.g., upper side) of the branch 112 and the mounting stud 1004.

Material

The components of the shake-resistant fir tree mount may be made of any suitable resilient material, including polymeric materials and metals. In aspects, the polymeric material may include one or more of polyamide, polyamide 6.6, nylon 6, nylon, polypropylene, and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). One or more of the components of the anti-shake firtree mount may be formed of the same material as the other components, or of a different material than the other components.

Example systems/Components

Systems and assemblies including the anti-shake fir tree mount (as described above), component (as described above), or base plate (as described above) are also disclosed. For example, an automotive panel assembly includes a fir-tree mount (as described above) including a mounting portion and a body portion, and a support structure having a mounting hole defined therein. The fir tree mount is configured for attachment to a support structure at a mounting hole defined in the support structure. The mounting portion includes a mounting stud and a plurality of flexible branches extending outwardly from the mounting stud. The branches are configured for deformation (bending) mainly in a direction parallel to the direction in which the mounting studs are inserted into the mounting holes through the front side of the support structure.

The branches include a first branch extending from the mounting stud and a second branch extending from the mounting stud. The second branch is spaced apart from the first branch. The first branch is located between the body portion and the second branch. The first and second branches are configured to deflect in a direction of the body portion when the mounting portion is inserted into the mounting hole. The second branch further comprises an upper side facing the main body portion. The first branch further comprises a lower side facing the upper side of the second branch. The first branch further includes a flange member extending from the underside, the flange member configured to contact an upper side of the second branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion. In aspects, the automotive panel assembly further includes a connector portion (as described above) that includes an object support configured to be attached to a strapping member (e.g., an elongated article).

Example method

Methods are also disclosed. The operations (or steps) of a method may include one or more operations, which may be, but are not necessarily limited to being, performed in the order or combination described herein. Further, any of the one or more operations may be repeated, combined, or reorganized to provide additional operations utilizing the example techniques of the present disclosure.

The disclosed method includes a method of manufacturing a shake-resistant fir-tree mount (as described above) configured to attach a component to a support structure. In one aspect, a method of making a shake-resistant fir-tree mount includes molding a fir-tree mount having a mount portion and a body portion. The fir tree mount is configured for attachment to a support structure at a mounting hole defined in the support structure. The mounting portion includes a mounting stud and a plurality of flexible branches extending outwardly from the mounting stud. The branches are configured for deformation (bending) mainly in a direction parallel to the direction in which the mounting studs are inserted into the mounting holes through the front side of the support structure. The branches include a first branch extending from the mounting stud and a second branch extending from the mounting stud. The second branch is spaced apart from the first branch. The first branch is located between the body portion and the second branch. The first and second branches are configured to deflect in a direction of the body portion when the mounting portion is inserted into the mounting hole. The second branch further comprises an upper side facing the main body portion. The first branch further comprises a lower side facing the upper side of the second branch. The first branch further includes a flange member extending from the underside, the flange member configured to contact an upper side of the second branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion. In aspects, the method further includes molding a connector portion (as described above) that includes an object support configured to be attached to a strapping component (e.g., a strapping of an elongated article).

The disclosed methods include a method of assembling an anti-shake fir tree mount. In one aspect, a method of using an anti-shake fir-tree mount includes attaching a fir-tree mount having a mount portion and a body portion to a support structure at a mount hole defined in the support structure. The mounting portion includes a mounting stud and a plurality of flexible branches extending outwardly from the mounting stud. The method includes the operation of inserting a mounting stud into a mounting hole. The branches are configured for deformation (bending) mainly in a direction parallel to the direction in which the mounting studs are inserted into the mounting holes through the front side of the support structure. The branches include a first branch extending from the mounting stud and a second branch extending from the mounting stud. The second branch is spaced apart from the first branch. The first branch is located between the body portion and the second branch. The first and second branches are configured to deflect in a direction of the body portion when the mounting portion is inserted into the mounting hole. The second branch further comprises an upper side facing the main body portion. The first branch further comprises a lower side facing the upper side of the second branch. The first branch further includes a flange member extending from the underside, the flange member configured to contact an upper side of the second branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion. In aspects, the method further comprises attaching a component (e.g., an elongated article) to the subject support connected to the fir tree mount.

Additional examples

Some additional examples of anti-shake fir tree mounts configured to attach an assembly to a base plate are as follows:

example 1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a body portion configured for positioning adjacent a first side of the support structure, the body portion having a bottom; and a mounting portion extending from a bottom of the body portion, the mounting portion configured for insertion into a mounting hole defined in the first side of the support structure, the mounting portion comprising: installing a stud; a first branch extending from the mounting stud; a second branch extending from the mounting stud, the second branch being spaced apart from the first branch, the first branch being positioned between the body portion and the second branch, the first branch and the second branch being configured for deflecting in a direction of the body portion when the mounting portion is inserted into the mounting hole, the second branch further including an upper side facing the body portion, the first branch further comprising: a lower side surface facing an upper side surface of the second branch; and a flange member extending from the lower side, the flange member configured to contact the upper side of the second branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion.

Example 2 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the flange member extends annularly to a longitudinal axis of the mounting stud.

Example 3 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the flange member further comprises a single flange member segment extending along an underside of the first branch.

Example 4 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the flange member further comprises a plurality of flange member segments extending along an underside of the first branch.

Example 5 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the first branch further comprises: a root connected to the mounting stud; an end spaced apart from the root; and a fin portion defined between the root and the end, the fin portion being spaced apart from the root and the end, a flange member being located on the fin portion, wherein the flange member is spaced apart from the root and the end.

Example 6 the apparatus of any other example, further comprising: a third limb extending from the mounting stud, the third limb being spaced apart from the second limb, the second limb being located between the body portion and the third limb, the third limb being configured to deform in the direction of the body portion when the mounting portion is inserted into the mounting aperture, the third limb further comprising a third limb upper side facing the body portion, wherein the second limb further comprises a second flange member extending from a second limb lower side, the second flange member being configured to contact the third limb upper side of the third limb during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting aperture to limit deflection of the third limb in the direction of the body portion.

Example 7 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the mounting portion further comprises a cap portion extending away from a bottom of the body portion, the cap portion shaped to receive a profile of a portion of the branch of the mounting portion.

Example 8 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the portion of the branch of the mounting portion that is received into the profile is an uppermost branch.

Example 9 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the cap portion includes an axially extending flange shaped to receive a portion of the branch of the mounting portion.

Example 10 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the portion of the branch of the mounting portion that is received into the profile is an uppermost branch.

Example 11 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the axially extending flange comprises a plurality of axially extending flanges.

Example 12 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the second branch further comprises: a lower side facing away from the body portion; and a flange member extending from the lower side, the flange member configured to contact the upper side of the third branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the third branch in the direction of the body portion, wherein the first branch and the second branch each further comprise: a root connected to the mounting stud; an end spaced apart from the root; and a fin portion defined between the root and the end, the fin portion being spaced apart from the root and the end, wherein the flange members of the first and second branches are located on their respective fin portions, the flange members of the first and second branches being spaced apart from their respective root and end.

Example 13 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the first branch and the second branch are branches in a branch array, wherein a plurality of branches in the branch array each include a flange member.

Example 14 the apparatus of any other example, further comprising a second branch array, wherein the branch array extends along a first peripheral region of the mounting stud, and wherein the second branch array extends along a second peripheral region of the mounting stud.

Example 15 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the branched array is axially offset from the second branched array.

Example 16 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the first branch and the second branch extend radially from the mounting stud.

Example 17 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the first branch and the second branch extend radially from the mounting stud around the mounting stud.

Example 18 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the first branch and the second branch extend radially completely around the mounting stud to the mounting stud.

Example 19 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the first branch and the second branch are branches extending radially into a branch array of the mounting studs.

Example 20. The apparatus of any other example, further comprising: a connector portion connected to the body portion, the connector portion configured for connection with a subject support configured for attachment to a component.

Example 21 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the body portion further comprises a diaphragm spring configured to contact the first side of the support structure and limit longitudinal insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole.

Example 22 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the first branch extends toward the body portion and the second branch extends toward the body portion.

Example 23 the apparatus of any other example, wherein the flange member further comprises: an outer ramp portion extending away from the underside of the first branch; an inner ramp portion extending away from the underside of the first leg; and a flat portion extending between the outer ramp portion and the inner ramp portion.

Idioms of the knot

Although various implementations of the anti-shake fir tree mount have been described in language specific to features and/or methods, the subject of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations of a shake-resistant fir tree mount.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, the word or "as used herein may be considered to use the term" comprising "or" allowing "or" comprising or applying the term (e.g., the phrase "a or B" may be interpreted as allowing only "a", only "B", or both "a" and "B"). Further, as used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of a list of items refers to any combination of such items, including individual members. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" may encompass: a. b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination having a plurality of identical elements (e.g., a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c). Furthermore, the items shown in the drawings and the terms discussed herein may refer to one or more items or terms, and thus may refer interchangeably to the singular or plural forms of items and terms in this written description.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a body portion configured for positioning adjacent a first side of a support structure, the body portion having a bottom; and

a mounting portion extending from the bottom of the body portion, the mounting portion configured for insertion into a mounting hole defined in the support structure first side, the mounting portion comprising:

installing a stud;

a first branch extending from the mounting stud;

a second branch extending from the mounting stud, the second branch being spaced apart from the first branch, the first branch being positioned between the body portion and the second branch, the first and second branches being configured for deflection in a direction of the body portion upon insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole, the second branch further comprising an upper side facing the body portion,

the first branch further comprises:

a lower side facing the upper side of the second branch; and

a flange member extending from the underside, the flange member configured to contact the upper side of the second branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the second branch in the direction of the body portion.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the flange member extends annularly to a longitudinal axis of the mounting stud.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flange member further comprises:

a single flange member segment extending along the underside of the first branch.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flange member further comprises:

a plurality of flange member segments extending along the underside of the first branch.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flange member further comprises:

an outer ramp portion extending away from the underside of the first branch;

an inner ramp portion extending away from the underside of the first branch; and

a flat portion extending between the outer ramp portion and the inner ramp portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first branch further comprises:

a root connected to the mounting stud;

an end spaced apart from the root; and

a fin portion defined between the root portion and the end portion, the fin portion being spaced apart from the root portion and the end portion, the flange member being located on the fin portion, wherein the flange member is spaced apart from the root portion and the end portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a third branch extending from the mounting stud, the third branch being spaced apart from the second branch, the second branch being positioned between the body portion and the third branch, the third branch being configured for deflection in a direction of the body portion upon insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole, the third branch further comprising a third branch upper side facing the body portion,

wherein the second branch further comprises a second flange member extending from a second branch underside, the second flange member being configured to contact the third branch upper side of the third branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the third branch in the direction of the body portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting portion further comprises:

a cap portion extending from the bottom of the body portion, the cap portion being shaped to receive a profile of a portion of a branch of the mounting portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the portion of the branch of the mounting portion that is received into the profile is an uppermost branch.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the cap portion includes an axially extending flange shaped to receive a portion of the branch of the mounting portion.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the axially extending flange comprises a plurality of axially extending flanges.

12. The apparatus of claim 1,

characterized in that said second branch further comprises:

a lower side facing away from the body portion; and

a flange member extending from the lower side, the flange member being configured to contact an upper side of a third branch during insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole to limit deflection of the third branch in a direction of the main body portion,

wherein the first branch and the second branch each further comprise:

a root connected to the mounting stud;

an end spaced apart from the root; and

a fin portion defined between the root portion and the end portion, the fin portion being spaced apart from the root portion and the end portion, wherein the flange members of the first and second branches are located on their respective fin portions, the flange members of the first and second branches being spaced apart from their respective root portions and end portions.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first branch and the second branch are branches in a branch array, wherein a plurality of branches in the branch array each comprise a flange member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second branch array, wherein the branch array extends along a first peripheral region of the mounting stud, and wherein the second branch array extends along a second peripheral region of the mounting stud.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the branched array is axially offset from the second branched array.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first branch and the second branch extend radially from the mounting stud.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first branch and the second branch are branches in an array of branches extending radially from the mounting stud.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a connector portion attached to the body portion, the connector portion configured for connection with a subject support configured for attachment to a component.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises:

a diaphragm spring configured to contact the first side of the support structure and limit insertion of the mounting portion into the mounting hole.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the first branch extends toward the body portion and the second branch extends toward the body portion.