Tethered Fastener Apparatus and Method

摘要

A tether fastening device for an automobile body structure includes a fastener clip, at least one tether strap, a tether clip bracket, a clip strap coupler, and a bracket strap coupler. The clip strap coupler operably couples to a slot in the automobile chassis. The tether clip bracket attaches to the fastener clip when in an attached position. The bracket strap coupler is attached to the body panel.;The tether strap allows for controlled detachment between the clip strap coupler and the bracket strap coupler. The strap may include a mesh to absorb the deployment energy and decelerate the body panel in a controlled manner. In the event of an airbag activation, the tether clip bracket and the fastener clip initially accelerate and then decelerate from each other. The pair of tether straps control the deceleration and separation distance of the clip strap coupler and bracket strap coupler.

主权项

1. A tether fastening device for a body panel in an automobile comprising:
a fastener clip detachably coupled to the automobile; and a multi-strand reinforced strap having a first end and a second end coupled to the body panel, such that the strap is coupled to the fastener clip in between the first end and second end.