An integrated fastener for an instrument cluster assembly, where multiple integrated fasteners are used to connect the front cover of the assembly to the back cover. The instrument cluster assembly includes at least one fastener integrated into the back cover, a first recessed portion formed as part of the back cover, and a separation wall formed as part of the back cover in proximity to the first recessed portion. A first mounting aperture is formed as part of the separation wall, and the integrated fastener attached to the back cover and located in the first mounting aperture when the integrated fastener is in a first configuration. The integrated fastener is detached from the back cover and rotated such that the integrated fastener is placed in a second configuration, securing the front cover to the back cover.

A joint assembly includes a structural body having a key which projects cantilevered from an abutment surface. The key includes a stem with a first stem portion having a reduced transverse encumbrance, and a second stem portion from which fins project and define locking surfaces. A seat body includes an abutment counter-surface facing the abutment surface. A seat is formed by opening from the abutment counter-surface, which delimits a key entry slot. A first seat portion proximate the entry slot allows insertion of the key if the fins are aligned with the entry slot. A second seat portion internal and opposite the entry slot widens to allow free rotation of the key. The seat body forms locking counter-surfaces having an inclined plane portion moving away from the entry slot so that key rotation brings the abutment surface in force-contact against the abutment counter-surface, creating a firm frictional fit.

A joint assembly includes a structural body having a key which projects cantilevered from an abutment surface. The key includes a stem with a first stem portion having a reduced transverse encumbrance, and a second stem portion from which fins project and define locking surfaces. A seat body includes an abutment counter-surface facing the abutment surface. A seat is formed by opening from the abutment counter-surface, which delimits a key entry slot. A first seat portion proximate the entry slot allows insertion of the key if the fins are aligned with the entry slot. A second seat portion internal and opposite the entry slot widens to allow free rotation of the key. The seat body forms locking counter-surfaces having an inclined plane portion moving away from the entry slot so that key rotation brings the abutment surface in force-contact against the abutment counter-surface, creating a firm frictional fit.

In some examples, an assembly includes a vehicle wheel that defines an interior and an exterior surface, where the interior surface defines a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion defines a first aperture extending in a substantially axial direction. The assembly further includes a rotor drive key on the interior surface, the drive key defining a first and second feature, and the first feature defines a second aperture extending in the substantially axial direction and is configured to align with the first aperture. The assembly includes a fastener configured to be inserted through the first and second aperture in the substantially axial direction to attach the key to the interior surface of the wheel, where the second aperture is configured to form a threaded connection with an end of the fastener. When the fastener is tightened via the threaded connection, the second feature engages the second protrusion.

In some examples, an assembly includes a vehicle wheel that defines an interior and an exterior surface, where the interior surface defines a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion defines a first aperture extending in a substantially axial direction. The assembly further includes a rotor drive key on the interior surface, the drive key defining a first and second feature, and the first feature defines a second aperture extending in the substantially axial direction and is configured to align with the first aperture. The assembly includes a fastener configured to be inserted through the first and second aperture in the substantially axial direction to attach the key to the interior surface of the wheel, where the second aperture is configured to form a threaded connection with an end of the fastener. When the fastener is tightened via the threaded connection, the second feature engages the second protrusion.

The present invention relates to construction assemblies or modules. There are attachment members that are connected by pressing an elastic protrusion head through an aperture and threading the protrusion head from one side of the aperture to the other. As the area of the aperture is smaller than area of front projection plane of the protrusion head, threading the protrusion head into the aperture requires the deformation of the protrusion head. After traversing the aperture, the protrusion head returns to its non-deformated shape, and the protrusion neck is settled within the aperture.

The present invention relates to construction assemblies or modules. There are attachment members that are connected by pressing an elastic protrusion head through an aperture and threading the protrusion head from one side of the aperture to the other. As the area of the aperture is smaller than area of front projection plane of the protrusion head, threading the protrusion head into the aperture requires the deformation of the protrusion head. After traversing the aperture, the protrusion head returns to its non-deformated shape, and the protrusion neck is settled within the aperture.

The present invention relates to a trim panel (1; 101) for a motor vehicle. The trim panel (1; 101) has a first connector (11; 103) for mounting the trim panel (1; 101). The first connector (11; 103) is elongated and extends longitudinally along the trim panel (1; 101). The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a trim panel (1; 101); and a method of forming first and second connectors (11, 13; 103, 105).

The present invention relates to a trim panel (1; 101) for a motor vehicle. The trim panel (1; 101) has a first connector (11; 103) for mounting the trim panel (1; 101). The first connector (11; 103) is elongated and extends longitudinally along the trim panel (1; 101). The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a trim panel (1; 101); and a method of forming first and second connectors (11, 13; 103, 105).

A method of bonding a second object to a first object includes: providing the first object, which includes a thermoplastic liquefiable material in a solid state; providing the second object, which includes a surface portion that has a coupling structure with an undercut such that the second object can make a positive-fit connection with the first object; and pressing the second object against the first object with a tool that is in physical contact with a coupling-in structure of the second object while mechanical vibrations are coupled into the tool. The step of pressing and coupling vibrations into the tool continues until a flow portion of the thermoplastic material of the first object is liquefied and flows into the coupling structures of the second object. Thereafter, the thermoplastic material of the first object is permitted to re-solidify to yield a positive-fit connection between the first and second objects.