BACKGROUND

[0001] Various assemblies include panels or components connected to one another. Usually, fasteners, such as a mid-panel nut, are used to secure such components to each other and can find applications across industries. In an example, such fasteners may be used in automotive industry, for instance, for fixing various trims to a body panel. For example, fasteners may be used to mount an instrument panel trim or a component to a carrier of the vehicle. In such example, the mid-panel nut is inserted into a cut-out/slot formed in a first component, and a second component can be mounted to the first component at the mid-panel nut using a threaded fastener, such as a screw or a bolt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0003] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of a conventional fastener, as an example of conventional fasteners; [0004] Figure 1 B illustrates a perspective view of the conventional fastener, as another example of conventional fasteners;

[0005] Figure 1 C illustrates a top view of the conventional fasteners, as an example of the conventional fasteners;

[0006] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of a mid-panel nut, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter; [0007] Figure 2B illustrates a front view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the example of the present subject matter;

[0008] Figure 2C illustrates a left side view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the example of the present subject matter; [0009] Figure 2D illustrates a right side view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the example of the present subject matter;

[0010] Figure 2E illustrates a top side view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the example of the present subject matter;

[0011] Figure 2F illustrates a bottom side view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the example of the present subject matter;

[0012] Figure 3A illustrates the top view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with another example of the present subject matter;

[0013] Figure 3B illustrates the front view of the mid-panel nut with locating structures, in accordance with the other example of the present subject matter; [0014] Figure 3C illustrates the right-side view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the other example of the present subject matter;

[0015] Figure 3D illustrates the bottom view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the other example of the present subject matter;

[0016] Figure 3E illustrates the left-side view of the mid-panel nut, in accordance with the other example of the present subject matter;

[0017] Figure 4A illustrates a top view of a component secured using the mid-panel nut and the threaded fastener, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter; and [0018] Figure 4B illustrates a sectional view of the component secured using the mid-panel nut and the threaded fastener, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter.

[0019] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar elements, but may not designate identical elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or examples consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or examples provided in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Generally, in order to hold the components together, fasteners are used. One or more fasteners may be used to secure a first component to a second component. For instance, a first fastener, such as a mid-panel nut, may be used in conjunction with a second fastener, such as a screw or nut, to secure the two or more components together. The mid-panel nut is a kind of a self aligning fastener and is used to mount one panel (child panel) to another (mother panel). During assembly, the mid-panel nut is inserted into a cut-out/slot formed in the mother panel at one station, for instance, in an assembly line. Further, the mother panel bearing the mid-panel nut is moved to a subsequent station where the child panel is mounted to the mother panel at the mid-panel nut using a threaded fastener, such as a screw or a bolt.

[0021] Mid-panel nuts, generally, are made of metal, and include a head and a body part having two or more arms. When the threaded fastener is inserted into the mid-panel nut, the arms of the mid-panel nut move away from the threaded fastener due to force applied by the threaded fastener onto the arms of the mid-panel nut. When the threaded fastener is fully inserted into the mid-panel nut, the threaded fastener does not engage with the arms of the mid- panel nut. Instead, the threaded fastener only makes contact with the arms of the mid-panel nut. In other words, the threaded fastener does not provide any support to the arms when the threaded fastener is inserted into the mid-panel nut. [0022] Further, the insertion force required for deploying the mid-panel nut in the mother panel is considerably high since the mid-panel nut is made of metal. For instance, a force of 70 kilogram-force (kgf) or more may be required to insert the mid-panel nut into a slot formed in the mother panel. Also, the body of the mid-panel nut may cause damage to the mother component if inserted at such high force. Further, manufacturing of the mid-panel nut needs to go through multiple processes, (at least two) to be formed. For example, to manufacture the mid-panel nut of metal, different forming processes such as stamping, casting, etc. are required. Such processes consume a lot of time and are expensive. [0023] In some examples, the mother panel can be a carrier of a vehicle and may be made of sheet metal. In such a scenario, vibrations may occur due to metal-metal contact between the mother panel and the mid-panel nut. The vibrations may cause the metallic mid-panel nut and the sheet metal of the mother panel to cause noise, thereby adversely affecting the NVFI (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics of the vehicle. Further, as the body of mid panel nut rubs against the metal of the mother component, it may cause the coating on the mother component to be removed. As a result, the metal sheet of the mother component can be exposed, for example, to elements of nature which may cause damage to the metal, for instance, by rusting. [0024] In view of the above, conventionally, such fasteners, such as the mid-panel nuts, have been designed to be formed of plastic instead of metal, so as to address the issues associated with the metallic fastener elucidated above. Flowever, such a plastic fastener may be unable to withstand the forces involved in coupling the panels. For instance, since the threaded fastener does not provide any support to the arms of the mid-panel nut, the components to be secured by the mid-panel nut may get displaced easily if a considerable amount of force is applied. In certain cases, the arms of the mid-panel nut may break down if force is applied over a period of time. On the other hand, if the fastener is designed with plastic material to have the required strength, the size of the fastener may be very large and may require further modification in the mother component and child component design to be able to be accommodated. In turn, for both the fastener as well as the components to be secured, there is an increased cost of material and cost of new tooling, which may lead to an overall increase in the cost of manufacturing.

[0025] Examples of a mid-panel nut are provided, the mid-panel nut being usable for coupling components together in conjunction with a threaded fastener. According to aspects of the present subject matter, the mid-panel nut is made of plastic material and may be used for securing components, such as for coupling an instrument panel trim and a carrier of a vehicle. Since the mid panel nut is made of plastic, the manufacturing process is simple, cost-effective, and consumes less time. Further, the mid-panel nut, according to the present subject matter, has considerably low insertion force and still can be used to securely mount a child component to a mother component. Moreover, the mid panel nut can be used with mother components made of sheet metal, without any issued regarding NVFI especially in vehicles. At the same time, the mid panel nut is designed to withstand the loads of the components mounted using the mid-panel nut without undergoing failure. [0026] According to an example, the mid-panel nut includes a body having a nose (in the direction of insertion of the mid-panel nut into a mother component) and a head opposite to the nose. The head may be formed at one longitudinal end of the body. The mid-panel nut further has a hole formed in the head for the insertion of the threaded fastener for engaging the threaded fastener with the mid-panel nut. The body of the mid-panel nut may include 4 or more walls. Moreover, the mid-panel nut may include two flexible snaps formed on opposite walls of the body. [0027] The flexible snaps, as the name suggests, are designed in a way that they can flex when the mid-panel nut is inserted into a slot in the mother component, thereby reducing the insertion force required for deployment of the mid-panel nut. For instance, a force of 10 kilogram-force (kgf) may be sufficient to insert the mid-panel nut into the slot of the mother component. On the exterior surface of the plurality of flexible snaps, each of the flexible extension is provided with a shoulder, i.e., a portion having a greater lateral width when measured from the central longitudinal axis than the rest of that flexible snap. Due to provision of the shoulder in the flexible snaps, the mid-panel nut can be securely fixed with the mother component at a station, for instance, of an assembly line, during the assembly process. At a subsequent station, the child component, such as an instrument panel, is to be coupled with the mother component, such as a carrier. The child component is coupled to the mother component using the mid-panel nut and then the threaded fastener is inserted into the hole. According to an aspect, the threaded fastener is in continuous contact with interior of the flexible snaps. In other words, the threaded fastener bears the flexible snaps against itself.

[0028] According to the above example, the mid-panel nut may have a central longitudinal axis passing through the centre and extending along the length of the mid-panel nut and the hole formed in the head of the mid-panel nut may be concentric with the central longitudinal axis. According to said example, the inner surface of the flexible snaps and the hole are aligned to form a passage for receiving the threaded fastener. Further, according to an aspect, to accommodate the threaded fastener, the distance between the plurality of flexible snaps on the at least two opposite walls is equal to or less than, but not greater than the diameter of the threaded fastener. In other words, the distance between the plurality of flexible snaps on the at least two opposite walls of the mid-panel nut may at most be the diameter of the threaded fastener to be accommodated. As a result, the threaded fastener, when assembled with the mid-panel nut, makes a positive engagement with the interior of the flexible snaps, as a result of which, the flexible snaps are non-yielding in the assembled state (i.e., when the mid-panel nut is assembled with the threaded fastener). In other words, the flexible snaps do not flex inwards even when a considerable amount of force is applied, thereby ensuring that the mid-panel nut securely sits in the mother component and does not inadvertently disengage from the mother component.

[0029] In addition, the flexible snaps are formed as a having tapping feature, i.e., the mid-panel nut can be used with a self-tapping threaded fastener, such as a self-tapping screw. This ensures that the engagement between the threaded fastener and the flexible snaps is secure. In other words, the self tapping design makes sure that the threaded fastener always supports the flexible snaps and prevents them from flexing. As a result, the mother component and the child component can be securely coupled together using the mid-panel nut in conjunction with the threaded fastener.

[0030] Further, according to an aspect, the walls of the body that do not include the flexible snaps may be provided with locating structures. In one example, the locating structures may be formed as a profile in the form of a slot or depression on the outer surface or inner surface of the walls. The slot or depression formed on the walls helps in reducing the weight of the mid-panel nut. Further, the locating profile provided on walls, adjacent to the walls having the flexible snaps, also facilitates in providing a poka-yoke mechanism, that is, the possibility of an incorrect coupling is prevented. As a result, an operator is immediately made aware if the mid-panel nut is not inserted in the correct manner into the slot of the mother component, thereby inhibiting wastage of time. Accordingly, the efficiency of the operator in inserting the mid-panel nut into the slot of the mother component is significantly increased. [0031] In view of the foregoing, the process of securing the mother component with the child component using the mid-panel nut along with the threaded fastener is simple and ergonomic. The assembly can be done without the involve of any tools or specialized equipment or even skilled labour. The assembly can be done quickly and even by a lay-user. Accordingly, the design of the mid-panel nut can assist in achieving high productivity.

[0032] The above aspects are further illustrated in the figures and described in the corresponding description below. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Therefore, various arrangements that encompass the principles of the present subject matter, although not explicitly described or shown herein, may be devised from the description and are included within its scope. Additionally, the word “coupled” is used throughout for clarity of the description and may include either a direct connection or an indirect connection.

[0033] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of a conventional fastener 100 of a first type that may be used in a vehicle for coupling an instrument panel trim to a carrier, as an example of conventional designs of the fasteners. Figure 1 B illustrates a perspective view of the conventional fastener 100 of another example of the conventional fasteners. Figure 1C illustrates a top view of the conventional fasteners 100. The conventional faster 100 is hereinafter referred to as fastener 100. In such an example, the fastener 100 can be coupled to the carrier and the instrument panel trim can be mounted thereto. The fastener 100 is made of metal and includes a head 102 and a body part 104 having two or more arms 106. The arms 106 extend in a direction away from the head 102. Further, the head 102 includes a hole to receive a screw. The fastener 100 is used in conjunction with the screw to secure the instrument panel trim to the carrier. When the screw is inserted into the fastener 100, the screw does not engage with the arms 106 of the fastener 100. Instead, the screw only makes contact with the arms 106 of the fastener 100. In other words, the screw does not provide any support to the arms 106 when the screw is inserted into the fastener 100.

[0034] Further, high insertion force is required to insert the fastener 100 into a slot provided in the carrier. In an example where the body of the carrier is made of sheet metal, the metallic body of the fastener 100 may cause damage to the body of the sheet metal if inserted with high force. Further, vibrations may occur due to metal-metal contact between the carrier and the fastener 100 which may cause noise, thereby adversely affecting NVFI (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics of the vehicle. In another example, the body of the fastener 100 may rub against the metallic surface of the carrier and as a result may remove the coating of the carrier, thereby exposing the metal sheet of the mother component, for example, to elements of nature which may cause damage to the metal, for instance, by rusting.

[0035] In addition to manufacture the fastener 100 as a metal type, a number of forming processes are involved, such as stamping, casting, etc. The time and cost involved in such processes are high. Further, the fastener 100 may get corroded over a period of time due to moisture present in the vehicle’s environment. As a result, the fastener 100 may require frequent maintenance, or may have to be replaced. [0036] Figures 2A-2G illustrate various view of a mid-panel nut 200 in accordance with examples of the present subject matter. Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of a mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2B illustrates a front view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2C illustrates a left side view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2D illustrates a right side view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2E illustrates a top side view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. Figure 2F illustrates a bottom side view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, Figures 2A-2F have been explained in conjunction with each other. [0037] The mid-panel nut 200 is made of plastic material and is used in conjunction with a threaded fastener (not shown in Figures 2A-2F) to mount a child component, such as an instrument panel trim, to a mother component, such as a carrier. Since the mid-panel nut 200 is made of plastic, the manufacturing is simple, cost-effective, and consumes less time. Further, the mid-panel nut 200 has considerably low insertion force and still can be used to securely mount the child component to the mother component. Moreover, the mid-panel nut 200 can be used with mother components made of sheet metal, without any issued regarding NVFI characteristics especially in vehicles.

[0038] The mid-panel nut 200 includes a body 202 having 4 or more walls 204. The body 202 has a nose 206 in the direction of insertion of the mid-panel nut 200 into the mother component, and a head 208 opposite to the nose 206. In said example, the nose 206 can be defined by a groove 209 formed at each corner of the body 202, the corner formed by the walls 204 of the body 202. As is shown in Figures 2A-2F, each groove 209 extends from a bottom edge of the wall 204 towards the head 208 and extends almost as long as a height of the wall 204 from the bottom to the head 208. The mid-panel nut 200 includes a hole 210 formed in the head 208 for insertion of the threaded fastener. Further, the mid-panel nut 200 may include two flexible snaps 212 formed on the walls 204 of the body 202 opposite to each other. The flexible snaps 212 are designed in a way that they can flex when the mid-panel nut 200 is inserted into the slot in the mother component. As a result of flexibility of the flexible snaps 212, the insertion force required to insert the mid-panel nut 200 into the slot of the mother component can be significantly reduced. For instance, a force of 10 kilogram- force (kgf) may be sufficient to insert the mid-panel nut 200 into the slot of the mother component.

[0039] Figures 3A to 3E illustrate various views of the mid-panel nut 200, according to another example of the present subject matter. Figure 3A illustrates a top view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with the other example of the present subject matter. Figure 3B illustrates a front view of the mid-panel nut 200 with locating structures 214, in accordance with the other example of the present subject matter. Figure 3C illustrates a right-side view of the mid panel nut 200, in accordance with the other example of the present subject matter. Figure 3D illustrates a bottom view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. Figure 3E illustrates a left-side view of the mid-panel nut 200, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, the description of parts of the mid-panel nut 200 common to the previously described embodiment are not repeated. In addition, Figures 3A to 3E are explained in conjunction.

[0040] In the example shown in Figures 3A to 3E, the walls 204 of the mid panel nut 200 that do not include the flexible snaps 212 may be provided with locating structures 214. In one example, the locating structures 214 may be formed as a profile, such as a slot or depression formed on the outer surface of the walls 204. The slot or depression formed on the walls 204 helps in reducing the weight of the mid-panel nut 200. Further, the locating structures 214 provided on walls 204, adjacent to the walls 204 having the flexible snaps 212, also facilitates in providing a poka-yoke mechanism, that is, the possibility of an incorrect coupling is prevented.

[0041] Further, similar to the example of Figures 2A-2F, in the present example also, the nose 206 can be defined by a groove 302 formed at each corner of the body 202, the corner formed by the walls 204 of the body 202. Flowever, in contrast to the previous example, in the present example, as is shown in Figures 3A-3E, each groove 302 extends from a bottom edge of the wall 204 towards the head 208 but the length of the groove 302 is substantially shorter than the groove 209 shown in the previous example. In the present example, for instance, the groove 302 can extend to less than half the height of the wall 204 from the bottom to the head 208.

[0042] Figure 4A illustrates, as an example, a top view of a component 400 secured using a threaded fastener 402 and the mid-panel nut 200 of one of the examples of the present subject matter described previously. Figure 4B illustrates a sectional view of the component 400 using the mid-panel nut 200 and the threaded fastener 402 along a plane A-A, in accordance with an example of the present subject matter. According to an example, the component 400 may be a mother component 400. The mother component 400 includes a slot which is formed on its surface. The mid-panel nut 200 is inserted into the slot of the mother component 400. During insertion, the flexible snaps 212 flexes inwards, thereby reducing the insertion force required for deployment of the mid panel nut 200. On the exterior surface of the plurality of flexible snaps 212, each of the flexible snaps 212 is provided with a shoulder 216. Due to provision of the shoulder 216 in the flexible snaps 212, the mid-panel nut 200 can be securely fixed with the mother component 400 at a station during the assembly process. In an example, the mid-panel nut 200 may be used with mother component having varies thickness ranging from 2.3 mm to 2.8 mm. [0043] At a subsequent station, a child component (not shown), such as an instrument panel, is to be coupled with the component 400, also referred to as the mother component 400. When the child component is coupled to the mother component 400 using the mid-panel nut 200 in conjunction with the threaded fastener 402, the threaded fastener 402 is in continuous contact with interior of the flexible snaps 212. In other words, the threaded fastener 402 bears the flexible snaps 212 against itself. Thus, the threaded fastener 402 makes a positive engagement with the interior of the flexible snaps 212. As a result of such engagement, the flexible snaps 212 are non-yielding. In other words, the flexible snaps 212 do not flex inwards even when a considerable amount of force is applied, thereby ensuring that the mid-panel nut 200 securely sits in the mother component 400 and does not inadvertently disengage from the mother component 400.

[0044] In addition, the flexible snaps 212 are formed as a tapping feature, thereby enabling the mid-panel nut 200 to be used with a self-tapping threaded fastener 402, such as a self-taping screw. This ensures that the engagement between the threaded fastener 402 and the flexible snaps 212 is secure. In other words, the self-tapping design makes sure that the threaded fastener 402 always supports the flexible snaps 212 and prevents them from flexing. As a result, the mother component 400 and the child component can be securely coupled together using the mid-panel nut 200 in conjunction with the threaded fastener 402.

[0045] When viewed from the top, the mid-panel nut 200 has a rectangular cross-section. In one example, the sides having the locating structures 214 are shorter in length in comparison to sides having the flexible snaps 212. In an example, the mid-panel nut 200 may have a cross-sectional dimension of 9 mm x 11 mm, when viewed from the top. Due to provision of the locating structures 214, it is easier for an operator to determine the correct orientation of the mid- panel nut 200 at the time of insertion. While inserting the locating structures 214 interact with the slot provided into the mother component 400.

Although examples for the mid-panel nut 200 have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of the mid-panel nut 200.