CN118088537A - Fastener and geometry for cast attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

A retainer for coupling a first component to a second component having ribs via a male fastener is disclosed. The retainer includes a body portion, one or more tabs coupled to the body portion, and a retaining clip resiliently coupled to the body portion. The body portion includes or defines a female fastener for receiving a male fastener. The one or more tabs and at least one of the plurality of retention clips cooperate to define a cavity for receiving the rib. A plurality of retention clips are arranged to engage the rib and retain the rib within the cavity. In some embodiments, the retainer is a stamped retainer clip.

Description

Fastener and geometry for cast attachment

Cross reference

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/428,162, entitled "fastener and Geometry for casting attachment (FASTENERS AND Geometry for CASTING ATTACHMENT)" filed on month 11, 2022, and concurrently claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/433,541, entitled "fastener and Geometry for casting attachment (FASTENERS AND Geometry for CASTING ATTACHMENT)" filed on month 12, 2022, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

Automotive parts require fastening techniques that are easy to manufacture and assemble. Further, the fastening technique should be particularly reliable and efficient. Retainer clips may be used to form a connection between components such as automotive panels.

Although the application scenario may vary greatly, such retainer clips are sometimes used to attach one component (e.g., a panel) to another component (e.g., a frame or other support structure). For example, in the context of automotive manufacturing, a frame is a structure that serves as a backbone for a vehicle or component in a vehicle, which serves to provide support and a rigid structure to other components attached thereto, such as an engine, suspension, interior components, and body panels. Traditionally, such frames and other vehicle support structures are manufactured using metal tubing (e.g., square or rectangular tubing) and/or sheet metal that is bent, welded, and/or otherwise joined to one another to form the frame or other support structure. Typically, these structures will include one or more openings configured to receive retainer clips.

In recent years, however, a transition from tubular metal and/or sheet metal based structures to cast structures has been achieved. In the context of motor vehicles, cast structure refers to a vehicle frame or chassis produced using a casting process. The choice of metal for casting may vary but typically includes metals such as iron or aluminum. Given the nature of cast structures, manufacturers are less prone to cutting, drilling, or otherwise forming openings configured to receive retainer clips.

Thus, despite advances made so far, it is highly desirable to have a retainer clip configured to attach to a structure without the need to form an opening in the structure.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a fastening system for forming a connection between two components, such as vehicle components, using a retainer clip, substantially as shown in and described in connection with at least one of the figures and as set forth more completely in the claims.

Drawings

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of particular embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings; wherein like or identical reference numerals designate like or identical structures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems and methods described herein.

Fig. 1a illustrates an isometric assembly view of a fastening system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 1b shows an assembled isometric view of the fastening system.

Fig. 1c shows an assembled front view of the fastening system.

Fig. 1d shows an assembled front view of the fastening system.

Fig. 2a shows a first top isometric view of the retainer clip of fig. 1 a-1 d.

Figure 2b shows a second top isometric view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 2c to 2f show a first, a second, a third and a fourth side view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 2g shows a top plan view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 2h shows a bottom plan view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 2i shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled fastening system along section line A-A (in fig. 1 b).

Fig. 3a illustrates an isometric assembly view of a fastening system using a dog house (doghouse) structure according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 3b shows an assembled isometric view of the fastening system.

Fig. 3c shows an assembled front view of the fastening system.

Fig. 3d shows an assembled front view of the fastening system.

Fig. 4a shows a first top isometric view of the retainer clip of fig. 3 a-3 d.

Figure 4b shows a second top isometric view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 4c to 4f show a first, a second, a third and a fourth side view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 4g shows a top plan view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 4h shows a bottom plan view of the retainer clip.

Fig. 4i shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled fastening system along section line B-B (in fig. 3B).

Fig. 5 illustrates a first top isometric view of a retainer clip according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Items mentioned in the singular should be understood as including items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Unless otherwise indicated or clear from context, grammatical conjunctions are intended to express inflections and conjunctions combinations of any and all of the conjunctions clauses, sentences, words, and the like. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise indicated herein, but rather, are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to any and all numbers falling within the range and/or including the range, and each separate value falling within the range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the following description, it is to be understood that terms such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "side," "front," "rear," and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, although in some embodiments the first side is located adjacent or near the second side, the terms "first side" and "second side" do not imply any particular order in which the sides are ordered.

The terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," and the like, when accompanied by numerical values, are to be construed as indicating deviations for satisfactory operation to achieve the intended purpose as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The numerical ranges and/or numerical values provided herein are by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the present disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("e.g.," such as ") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The terms "such as" and "for example" refer to a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

The term "and/or" refers to any one or more items in a list connected by "and/or". For example, "x and/or y" means any element in the three-element set { (x), (y), (x, y) }. In other words, "x and/or y" refers to "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y, and/or z" refers to any element in a seven-element set { (x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z) }. In other words, "x, y, and/or z" refers to "one or more of x, y, and z".

A retainer clip configured to attach to a structure without forming an opening in the structure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the retainer clip may be captured at one end in an opening or dog house (doghouse) like structure of the first component and packaged as a "partial assembly (PIA)".

In one embodiment, a retainer for coupling a first component to a second component having ribs via a male fastener comprises: a body portion having a female fastener formed therein, wherein the female fastener is configured to receive the male fastener; one or more tabs coupled to the body portion; and a plurality of retention clips resiliently coupled to the body portion, wherein the one or more tabs and at least one retention clip of the plurality of retention clips cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive the rib, and wherein the plurality of retention clips are arranged to engage and retain the rib within the cavity.

In another embodiment, a retainer assembly for coupling a first component having an opening to a second component having a rib comprises: a male fastener configured to at least partially pass through an opening formed in the first component; and a retainer having a body portion, one or more tabs, and a plurality of retention clips, wherein the female fastener is formed in the body portion and configured to receive the male fastener; wherein the plurality of retention clips are resiliently coupled to the body portion, wherein the one or more tabs and at least one retention clip of the plurality of retention clips cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive the rib, and wherein the plurality of retention clips are arranged to engage and retain the rib within the cavity.

In yet another embodiment, a retainer for coupling a first component to a ribbed second assembly via a male fastener includes: a body portion having a female fastener formed therein, wherein the female fastener is shaped as a sleeve having a plurality of slots formed on an inside wall surface of the sleeve, and the female fastener is configured to receive the male fastener; one or more tabs coupled to the body portion; and first, second, and third retention clips resiliently coupled to the body portion, wherein the first and third retention clips are configured to pinch, scrape, dig in, or otherwise grasp (grip) the rib to mitigate pull-out, and wherein the first and second retention clips cooperate to define a flare to the cavity configured to guide a distal end of the rib into the cavity.

In some embodiments, the female fastener is shaped as a sleeve having a plurality of grooves formed on an inside wall surface of the sleeve.

In some embodiments, the body portion defines a set of shoulders configured to engage the dog house structure.

In some embodiments, the plurality of retention clips define a set of clip guide members configured to guide the distal ends of the ribs into the cavity.

In some embodiments, the clip tab is angled into the cavity and is configured to engage the rib. In some embodiments, the retainer is a stamped retainer clip.

In some embodiments, the plurality of retention clips includes a first retention clip, a second retention clip, and a third retention clip. The first retention clip may include a clip tab formed in the first retention clip. The first and third retention clips may be configured to grip, scrape, dig in, or otherwise grasp the rib to mitigate pullout. The first and second retention clips may cooperate to define a flare to the cavity configured to guide the distal end of the rib into the cavity.

Fig. 1a-1 d illustrate a fastening system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening system 100 configured to couple a first component 102 with respect to a second component 104 via a retainer clip 106. The first part 102 is omitted from fig. 1a and 1b for illustration purposes, but is shown in fig. 1c and 1 d. More specifically, fig. 1a illustrates an isometric assembly view of a fastening system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and fig. 1b illustrates an assembled isometric view of the fastener 100. Fig. 1c illustrates an assembled front view of a fastening system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and fig. 1d illustrates an assembled front view of the fastening system 100.

The illustrated fastening system 100 includes a first component 102, a second component 104, and a retainer assembly 110. The retainer assembly 110 is configured to join the first and second components 102, 104 together. To facilitate attachment via the retainer assembly 110, each of the first and second components 102, 104 may include one or more engagement features. For example, the first component 102 is illustrated as having an opening 116 formed in the first component 102 and the second component 104 is illustrated as having one or more ribs 108 formed on a surface of the second component 104. For example, one or more ribs 108 protrude perpendicularly from the surface of the second component 104, and the second component 104 may be a cast structure.

The opening 116 may be formed in the first component 102 during manufacture of the first component 102 or added after manufacture by a mechanical process (e.g., drilling, cutting, engraving, etc.). Each rib 108 (sometimes referred to as a vane, tower, or projection) may be shaped as a planar tab or continuous ridge. Depending on the type of material, one or more ribs 108 may be formed during casting, molding, or layering of the second component 104, or attached after manufacture (e.g., using an adhesive or mechanical fastener). After the first and second parts 102, 104 are assembled, as best illustrated in fig. 1b and 1d, the second part 104 is at least partially covered by the first part 102.

The retainer assembly 110 is illustrated as a multi-component retainer clip assembly having a male fastener 112 (e.g., a fastener head 112a and an externally threaded shank 112b, such as a bolt) and a retainer clip 106 (e.g., a metal retainer clip). The retainer clip 106 defines or otherwise includes a female fastener 122 (e.g., an internally threaded component such as a threaded sleeve). The retainer clip 106 is configured to mechanically engage and couple with the first component 102 via the male fastener 112 passing through the opening 116 to engage the female fastener 122. The retainer clip 106 is configured to mechanically engage and couple with the second component 104 via the rib 108 and engagement features formed on the retainer clip 106 as will be discussed below.

It is contemplated that certain components of the retainer assembly 110 may be manufactured as stamped metal components using metal stamping techniques. For example, the retainer clip 106 may be made from a single piece of sheet metal and stamped/bent using a metal stamping technique, while the male fastener 112 may be made from metal via one or more metal forming techniques (such as cold forging). In another embodiment, the retainer clip 106 may be manufactured as a stamped metal component, while the male fastener 112 may be manufactured using plastic injection molding techniques, additive manufacturing, or otherwise from a plastic material. However, it is contemplated that the retainer clip 106 may also be manufactured using material extrusion (e.g., fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)), stereolithography (SLA), selective Laser Sintering (SLS), material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusing, directed energy deposition, VAT photopolymerization, and/or any other suitable type of additive manufacturing/3D printing process.

The first and second components 102, 104 may be, for example, automotive panels or other automotive components. Depending on the application scenario, one or both of the first and/or second components 102, 104 may be fabricated from, for example, metal (or metal alloy), synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers (e.g., plastics such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass), or combinations thereof. In the automotive industry, example first components 102 include, but are not limited to, door trim panels, molded articles, trim pieces, and other substrates (whether used as interior or exterior surfaces). The second component 104 may be, for example, a frame, a motor vehicle panel, a structural component of a vehicle, such as a door, a pillar (e.g., a-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, etc.), an instrument panel component (e.g., a cross-beam, a bracket, a frame, etc.), a seat frame, a center console, a fender, a sheet metal frame, etc. Depending on the application scenario, the first component 102 and/or the second component 104 may be fabricated from, for example, a metal (or metal alloy), a synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer (e.g., a plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), a composite material (e.g., fiberglass), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second components 102, 104 are formed using a casting process that involves pouring molten metal into a mold to produce a desired shape. In the case of casting motor vehicle frames, the metal is typically injected into a mold that embodies the structure of the frame.

The retainer 106 may be vertically attached to the rib 108. During installation, as best illustrated in fig. 1a and 1c, the retainer clip 106 slides over the rib 108 of the second component 104 as indicated by arrow 114 and engages the rib 108 via an interference fit. Once the retainer clip 106 is installed, one end of the male fastener 112 passes through both the opening 116 formed in the first member 102 and the opening 120 formed in the retainer clip 106 as indicated by arrow 118 to ultimately reach and engage the female fastener 122.

The male fastener 112 may be rotated about its rotational axis 124 relative to the female fastener 122 to engage the first component 102 and compress the first component 102 relative to the retainer clip 106. As will be described in greater detail, the retainer clip 106 includes one or more engagement features to attach to or otherwise engage the first component 102 and/or the second component 104. During assembly/disassembly, the male and female fasteners 112, 122 utilize the ribs 108 to resist rotation to obtain bolt or stud torque.

In the illustrated embodiment, the male fastener 112 is a threaded bolt having a hex head, although other types of fasteners are contemplated. In some embodiments, the retainer clip 106 may include a seal when it is desired to mitigate dust, dirt, and/or moisture penetration through the openings 116, 120. The seal may be embodied as a ring (e.g., a circular ring) and made of foam, thermoplastic, rubber, or the like. For example, the seal may be configured to surround a portion of the male fastener 112 (e.g., the stem 112 b) and be located between the fastener head 112a and the first component 102 and/or between the first component 102 and the retainer clip 106.

Fig. 2a and 2b illustrate first and second top isometric views, respectively, of the retainer clip 116 of fig. 1 a-1 d, and fig. 2 c-2 f illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side views of the retainer clip 106. Fig. 2g and 2h illustrate top and bottom plan views, respectively, of retainer clip 106. Fig. 2i illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled fastening system 100 along section line A-A (in fig. 1 b). One advantage of the disclosed retainer 106 is that it provides a usable attachment between the first component 102 and the second component 104 having one or more ribs 108 (e.g., plastic material or cast material). The retainer 106 may be made in various sizes depending on the application scenario.

The retainer 106 may be a stamped retainer clip. For example, a flat sheet of metal may be stamped (e.g., coined) to define the outer edges, contours, and cutouts to define the various features of the retainer 106. After stamping, the flat sheet of metal may be bent along one or more lines or at one or more points in one or more steps to define the retainer 106.

As illustrated, the retainer 106 generally includes a body portion 202, a pair of tabs 204, and a plurality of resiliently attached retaining clips. As used herein, a component or portion of the retainer clip 106 is said to be resiliently connected when the component or portion defaults (e.g., springs back) to a predetermined shape. For example, during assembly, the component or portion may be biased (e.g., pushed) inwardly and/or outwardly, but return to a default shape in the absence of such external forces.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 202 is generally planar and is configured to abut an underside of the first component 102 when assembled. The body portion 202 defines an opening 120 through which the male fastener 112 passes to engage the female fastener 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the female fastener 122 is shaped as a sleeve having a plurality of slots formed on the inner side wall surface 206. The plurality of grooves corresponds to the male screw rod 112 b. As noted above, the retainer 106 may be made from a single piece of sheet metal that is stamped, bent and extruded to form the body portion 202, the pair of tabs 204 and the plurality of resiliently attached clips; thus, although described as separate elements, the retainer 106 may maintain a single, unitary structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 202 is coupled to a plurality of resiliently attached retention clips, including a first retention clip 208, a second retention clip 210, and a third retention clip 212. In operation, first retaining clip 208, second retaining clip 210, and third retaining clip 212 cooperate to engage and attach to rib 108. For example, one or more of the first, second, and third retention clips 208, 210, 212 may include one or more clip tabs to grip, scrape, dig into, or otherwise grasp the rib 108. For example, as will be discussed below, the retainer 106 may engage the rib 108 by one or more clip tabs digging into the rib 108, or a through window may be placed in the rib 108 for one or more clip tabs to snap into or otherwise engage the rib 108 in order to provide a higher retention force. Further, in addition to the one or more tabs (such as a pair of tabs 204) that are hollowed out, the retainer 106 has features for stabilizing it against the rib 108. The illustrated pair of tabs 204 are generally perpendicular to the body portion 202.

The illustrated first retention clip 208 includes a leg 214 and a guide member 216. The legs 214 may be parallel to the pair of tabs 204 or, as shown, may be angled inwardly toward the pair of tabs 204 to help grip the rib 108. In some embodiments, the legs 214 may be inclined inward toward the pair of tabs 204 at an angle of 2 to 15 degrees, or at an angle of about 5 to 10 degrees. As best illustrated in fig. 2e, 2f, and 2i, the leg 214 and the pair of tabs 204 define a cavity 218, the cavity 218 configured to receive the rib 108 and ultimately retain the rib 108.

Leg 214 further includes an inwardly sloped (i.e., into cavity 218) clip tab 220 formed in leg 214 (e.g., via a die punch). The guide member 216 is angled to help guide the distal end of the rib 108 into the cavity 218. During and after assembly, clip tab 220 is configured to pinch, scrape, dig into, or otherwise grasp rib 108 to mitigate pullout.

The illustrated second retaining clip 210 includes a pair of legs 222 and a guide member 224. In some embodiments, each leg of the pair of legs 222 is curved at one or more locations along its length to define a generally J-shaped side profile. In the illustrated embodiment, each leg 222 defines a first linear segment 222a, a second linear segment 222b, and a third linear segment 222c. Each leg of the pair of legs 222 is resiliently coupled to the body portion 202 at a first end (e.g., via a first linear segment 222 a) and to the guide member 224 at a second end (e.g., via a third linear segment 222 c). As shown, each end of the guide member 224 is coupled to the leg 222 via a third linear section 222c of the leg. The guide member 224 is substantially perpendicular to the third linear segment 222c. The guide member 224 is angled to help guide the distal end of the rib 108 into the cavity 218. As best illustrated in fig. 2e and 2f, the guide members 216, 224 cooperate to define a flare leading to the cavity 218, thus allowing a degree of misalignment as the distal ends of the guide members 216, 224 guide the ribs 108 into the cavity 218 during assembly. The flexible nature of the retainer 106 and the angle of the guide members 216, 224 allow for a relatively low insertion force required to insert the rib 108 into the retainer 106. In some embodiments, the insertion force may be about 2 pounds. The second linear section 222b is generally parallel to the body portion 202 and, in some embodiments, the second linear section 222b may serve as a base to contact the second component 104 to increase stability.

The illustrated third retention clip 212 is bent at one or more locations along its length to define a first linear segment 212a, a second linear segment 212b, and a third linear segment 212c that acts as a clip tab. As best illustrated in fig. 2i, the third linear segment 212c cooperates with the clip tab 220 to pinch, scrape, dig into, or otherwise grasp the rib 108 to mitigate pullout. As illustrated in fig. 2b, the material used to form the third retention clip 212 may be stamped from the second retention clip 210 (e.g., the area defined by the material used to form the pair of legs 222 and guide members 224). In some embodiments, the third retention clip 212 includes a fastener passing opening 226 to allow the distal end of the stem 112b of the male fastener 112 to pass through the third retention clip 212 when tightened without interfering or otherwise affecting the third retention clip 212. In other embodiments, the fastener passing through the opening 226 may be omitted such that the male fastener 112 engages the third retention clip 212 to bias the third retention clip 212 in a desired manner.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 106 defines a clip tab 220 and a third linear segment 212c that engage the rib 108; however, it should be appreciated that the retainer 106 may include any number of components that engage the ribs 108. For example, two or more clip tabs 220 and/or two or more third linear segments 212c. Further, in some embodiments, one or more features may be formed in the rib 108 or on a surface of the rib 108 to increase friction. For example, the rib 108 may include one or more ridges, notches, holes, or flanges to increase friction between the rib 108 and the clip tab 220, the third linear segment 212c, etc.

Fig. 3 a-3 d illustrate a fastening system 100 according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fastening system 100 configured to couple a first component 102 with respect to a second component 104 via a retainer clip 106 using a dog house like structure. More specifically, fig. 3a illustrates an isometric assembly view of the fastening system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and fig. 3b illustrates an assembled isometric view of the fastening system 100. Fig. 3c illustrates an assembled front view of the fastening system 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and fig. 3d illustrates an assembled front view of the fastening system 100.

The fastening system 100 of fig. 3 a-3 d is substantially the same as the fastening system 100 of fig. 1 a-1 d, except that the retainer clip 106 of fig. 3 a-3 d is configured to further engage the first component 102 via the dog house structure 302. Thus, in this embodiment, the retainer clip 106 defines a set of shoulders 308 and the first member 102 may include or define the dog house structure 302. The dog house structure 302 allows the first member 102 to be used with a wide variety of fasteners, including retainer clips 106. Further, the retainer clip 106 may be pre-installed on the first component 102 via the dog house structure 304 to be packaged and transported as a "partial assembly (PIA)", thereby reducing the time and effort required by the end user during assembly.

As shown, the dog house structure 302 includes a set of dog house sidewalls 304, the set of dog house sidewalls 304 defining a container 306 therebetween. The receptacle 306 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the retainer clip 106. Dog house sidewall 304 may include one or more features shaped to increase engagement with retainer clip 106 and/or act as a stop for retainer clip 106, such as interference features 310 that engage a set of shoulders 308. In some embodiments, the interference feature 310 may make a soft click when the retainer clip 106 is secured in the receptacle 306. The dog house structure 302 may be molded during the molding of the first member 102; however, in some embodiments, the dog house 302 may be manufactured separately and later bonded to each other (e.g., using adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.). The dog house 302 is contemplated to be modified in size and shape to accommodate various application scenarios. For example, although illustrated with two opposing dog house sidewalls 304, in some embodiments, dog house structure 302 may further include dog house end walls formed to bridge the gap between a set of dog house sidewalls 304.

Fig. 4a and 4b illustrate first and second top isometric views, respectively, of the retainer clip 106 of fig. 3 a-3 d, and fig. 4 c-4 f illustrate first, second, third, and fourth side views of the retainer clip 106. Fig. 4g and 4h illustrate top and bottom plan views, respectively, of retainer clip 106. Fig. 4i illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled fastening system 100 along section line B-B (in fig. 3B).

The retainer clip 106 of fig. 4 a-4 i is substantially identical to the retainer clip 106 of fig. 2 a-2 i, except that the retainer clip 106 of fig. 4 a-4 i includes a set of shoulders 308, the set of shoulders 308 being configured to engage the dog house 302 once the retainer clip 106 is positioned in the container 306. Further, a portion of each tab of the pair of tabs 204 is bent (e.g., 90 degrees in the illustrated embodiment) to define a flange 402, which flange 402 is configured to mitigate rattling, scraping, and/or damage to the first component 102 and/or the dog house 302 upon insertion and/or accommodation in the dog house 302.

Fig. 5 illustrates a top isometric view of a retainer clip 106 according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. The retainer clip 106 of fig. 5 is substantially identical to the retainer clip 106 of fig. 4 a-4 i, except that the retainer clip 106 of fig. 5 includes one or more barbs 502 in addition to or in place of the flat edges of the clip tab 220 and the third linear segment 212c described above. The one or more barbs 502 enable the first retaining clip 208 and the second retaining clip 210 to more forcefully grip, scrape, dig into, or otherwise grasp the rib 108. The retainer clip 106 further includes one or more alignment features 504 to, for example, act as error proofing features to prevent or mitigate human error during assembly. For example, the one or more alignment features 504 may be configured to engage corresponding slots or recesses in the rib 108 or on the rib 108, which may be useful in cases where the retainer clip 106 is mounted on the rib 108 prior to mounting the first component 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment feature 504 ensures that the retainer clip 106 is mounted in the correct orientation, rather than 180 ° from the intended orientation.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a retainer 106 for coupling a first component 102 to a second component 104 begins by stamping a sheet of metal to form a die cut of the retainer 106. The die cuts are generally planar and exist in one plane (e.g., a single plane) and are shaped to define portions corresponding to the various components of the retainer 106, such as the body portion 202, the pair of tabs 204, and the plurality of resiliently attached retention clips. The sheet metal can be stamped via a press and a die. In other embodiments, the die kerf may be cut from sheet metal using a laser, water jet, wire saw, or the like. The various features are then bent along a plurality of fold lines during a plurality of steps to produce the retainer 106.

While the present method and/or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. For example, blocks and/or components of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, divided, rearranged, and/or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present methods and/or systems are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the present method and/or system is intended to cover all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (20)

1. A retainer for coupling a first component to a second component having ribs via a male fastener, the retainer comprising:

a body portion having a female fastener formed therein,

Wherein the female fastener is configured to receive the male fastener;

One or more tabs coupled to the body portion; and

A plurality of retention clips resiliently coupled to the body portion,

Wherein the one or more tabs and at least one of the plurality of retention clips cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive the rib, and

Wherein the plurality of retention clips are arranged to engage the rib and retain the rib within the cavity.

2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the female fastener is shaped as a sleeve having a plurality of grooves formed on an inside wall surface of the sleeve.

3. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the body portion defines a set of shoulders configured to engage a dog house structure.

4. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retention clips define a set of clip guide members configured to guide a distal end of the rib into the cavity.

5. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the plurality of retention clips comprises a first retention clip, a second retention clip, and a third retention clip.

6. The retainer of claim 5, wherein the first retention clip comprises a clip tab formed in the first retention clip.

7. The retainer of claim 6, wherein the clip tab is angled into the cavity and is configured to engage the rib.

8. The retainer of claim 5, wherein the first and third retaining clips are configured to pinch, scrape, dig in, or otherwise grasp the rib to mitigate pullout.

9. The retainer of claim 8, wherein the first and second retention clips cooperate to define a flare to the cavity, the flare configured to guide a distal end of the rib into the cavity.

10. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the retainer is a stamped retainer clip.

11. A retainer assembly for coupling a first component having an opening to a second component having a rib, the retainer assembly comprising:

A male fastener configured to at least partially pass through the opening formed in the first component; and

A retainer having a body portion, one or more tabs, and a plurality of retaining clips,

Wherein the female fastener is formed in the body portion and is configured to receive the male fastener;

Wherein the plurality of retention clips are resiliently coupled to the body portion,

Wherein the one or more tabs and at least one of the plurality of retention clips cooperate to define a cavity configured to receive the rib, and

Wherein the plurality of retention clips are arranged to engage the rib and retain the rib within the cavity.

12. The retainer assembly of claim 11 wherein the female fastener is formed as a sleeve having a plurality of grooves formed on an inside wall surface of the sleeve.

13. The retainer assembly of claim 11, wherein the body portion defines a set of shoulders configured to engage a dog house structure.

14. The retainer assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of retention clips comprises a first retention clip, a second retention clip, and a third retention clip.

15. The retainer assembly of claim 14, wherein the first retention clip includes a clip tab that is angled into the cavity and configured to engage the rib.

16. The retainer assembly of claim 14, wherein the first and third retaining clips are configured to pinch, scrape, dig in, or otherwise grasp the rib to mitigate pullout.

17. The retainer assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second retention clips cooperate to define a flare to the cavity, the flare configured to guide a distal end of the rib into the cavity.

18. The retainer assembly of claim 11, wherein the retainer is a stamped retainer clip.

19. A retainer for coupling a first component to a second component having ribs via a male fastener, the retainer comprising:

a body portion having a female fastener formed therein,

Wherein the female fastener is shaped as a sleeve having a plurality of slots formed on an inside wall surface of the sleeve and the female fastener is configured to receive the male fastener;

One or more tabs coupled to the body portion; and

First, second and third retention clips resiliently coupled to the body portion to define a cavity,

Wherein the first and third retention clips are configured to grip, scrape, dig into, or otherwise grasp the rib to mitigate pullout, an

Wherein the first and second retention clips cooperate to define a flare to the cavity, the flare configured to guide a distal end of the rib into the cavity.

20. The retainer of claim 19, wherein the body portion defines a set of shoulders configured to engage a dog house structure.