Patent Description:
In the automotive industry, fastening clips are used to mount components, structures or panels to the frame of a vehicle. One particular type of fastening clip for use in a storage compartment of a vehicle, is embedded to a base panel or a side panel of the storage compartment. Such a fastening clip is located at a fixed point, or more often, multiple fixed points, of the storage compartment. The fastening clip(s) may comprise a luggage ring onto which loose objects such as shopping bags or other items are attached or strapped, so that they do not move around the storage compartment when the vehicle is in motion. Other types of fastening clips are also known within the automotive industry.

Typically, in an automotive manufacturing process, a number of fastening clips are assembled into the storage compartment using fasteners that are attached to the structure or panel through an aperture in the structure or panel. The correct installation of the clips can be a very time-consuming process, because, once the fastening clips and respective luggage rings are installed, the vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection to check the quality and completeness of the installed fittings. In order to provide a desired quality standard, it has to be verified that all of the fastening clips are installed properly (i.e. the fasteners are firmly in place). For example, the torque data recorded by electronic screwdrivers when installing the screwed luggage ring may be used to verify correct installation. From this, it is understandable that the need for a specialist tool to ensure correct installation of a luggage ring can be rather cumbersome, especially, when access to the vehicle location is difficult. Also, a great number of fastening clips is typically installed in vehicles, thus, the physical process for checking the quality of each one of the fittings can be very time-consuming and tedious. The process for quality checking is especially tedious when the fastening clips are placed in hard-to-reach locations. Often, fastening clips are placed within these hard-to-reach locations in order to prevent any objects attached to the fastening clips from moving around during transport. For example, some storage compartments of vehicles have fastening clips connected to luggage rings placed at a location close to the rear passenger seats. It is particularly important to ensure that the fastening clips are properly installed in order to avoid loosening through vibrations when the vehicle is running.

Consequently, it would be desirable to provide a verification cap that can alleviate or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned problems. Particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide a verification cap that facilitates a quick and efficient way of verifying correct installation of a fastening clip to a support structure. More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a verification cap that can remotely verify, whether or not, a fastening clip has been correctly installed into a support structure.

The prior art document <CIT> shows a RFID module in a housing.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a verification cap according to the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provides a verification cap for verifying installation of a fastening clip to a support structure, comprising:.

This provides the advantage that an installer is able to quickly and remotely check, whether or not, any of the installed fastening clips have been installed in accordance with a predetermined quality standard (e.g. the clip is firmly coupled to the structure and the clip is correctly aligned with the panel surface). The RFID system (RFID tag) of any fastening clip not installed to the desired standard (e.g. not fully aligned or pushed through the panel aperture) will not be able to respond to an interrogating RFID reader and can thus be quickly identified and remedied. This is particularly beneficial as the verification signal is transmitted even if the fastener assembly is hidden from view, located internally, or placed in a hard to reach location.

Advantageously, said predetermined position is a contact engagement between said RFID system and a top surface of the fastening clip, when said cover member is in said closed position and lockingly engaged with said top end portion of said side wall.

Preferably, the fastening clip comprises an electrical conductor adapted to activate or enable said RFID system.

Advantageously, said RFID system comprises at least one deactivating open connection configured to form an activating closed connection with the electrical conductor of the fastening clip when said cover member is in said closed position and lockingly engaged with said top end portion of said side wall. This provides a simple and robust switch mechanism for the utilised RFID system (e.g. RFID tag) where the conducting surface of the "correctly" inserted clip provides an electrical conductor to "bridge" the disabling, open connection of the RFID system (e.g. RFID tag).

Advantageously, said cover member comprises a biasing member adapted to bias said RFID system into contact engagement with the fastening clip when said cover member is in said closed position and lockingly engaged with said top end portion of said side wall. Preferably, said biasing member is provided between said inner surface of said cover member and said RFID system. Even more preferably, said biasing member is made from a resilient material. Yet, even more preferably, said biasing member is made from a polymer. This provides the advantage that an enabling contact between the RFID system and the conducting surface of the fastener is ensured when the cap cover is closed and lockingly engaged, i.e. the biasing member (e.g. a resilient polymer foam material) provides a predetermined pressure between the contact surfaces of the engaging RFID system (i.e. open contacts) and the conducting (e.g. metal) fastener.

Advantageously, said RFID system comprises at least one RFID tag configured to transmit said verification signal when interrogated from an RFID reader.

Advantageously, said cover member further comprises at least one stop member projecting away from said cover member into said interior space, so as to define a predetermined restricted space for accommodating at least one component of the fastening clip between said bottom end portion and a distal end of said stop member when said cover member is in said closed position, during use.

This provides the additional advantage that the correct installation of the fastening clip to the panel or support structure can also be verified manually (i.e. during installation). The provision of at least one stop member projecting away from the cover member provides a restricted space of a predetermined size that accommodates at least one component of the fastening clip. When the cover member is in the closed position, the at least one component of the fastening clip is accommodated within the space, to provide verification that the fastening clip is properly installed. If, however, the fastener clip is not properly installed, the space does not provide sufficient room to accommodate the at least one component of the fastening clip, and therefore, the cover member is placed into an open position, disengaged from the top end part of the base member. The position of the cover member relative to the base member, in either a closed position or an open position, indicates whether or not, a fastening clip is fully installed to a support structure. Also, when the cover member is not closed correctly, there will not be sufficient contact between the RFID system and the conducting surface of the fastening clip, this the RFID system remains disabled and cannot react to an interrogating RFID reader. Therefore, the verification cap of the present invention can provide any one or all of a visual, tactile or remote signal indication on whether or not the fastening clip is correctly installed, removing the need for tedious and time-consuming inspection processes.

Preferably, said interior space is configured to retainingly receive a head portion of the fastening clip, during assembly. More preferably, said stop member is configured to contactingly engage with the at least one component when the at least one component is not entirely contained within said predetermined restricted space of said base member.

Advantageously, said base member comprises two opposing parallelly arranged pairs of teeth extending from respective ribs up towards said top end portion and adapted to retainingly couple with a head portion of the fastening clip. Preferably, said teeth comprise a latch portion configured to engage with the head portion of the fastening clip.

Advantageously, said cover member comprises a lock member projecting away from said cover member, and said base member comprises a respective catch member configured to lockingly engage with said lock member when said cover member is in said closed position.

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', `left', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down' and 'downward' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words 'inner', 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, "first", "second", "third" etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

Furthermore, the terms "fastener", "fastening clip", "clip", as well as, the terms "verification cap" and "cap", are used interchangeably.

Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a verification cap <NUM> for a luggage ring assembly without the luggage ring clip <NUM>. Here, the verification cap <NUM> comprises an upper lid <NUM> and a lower base <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is connected together with the base <NUM> by a hinge <NUM> which allows the lid <NUM> to pivot about the base <NUM> between open and closed position. The base <NUM> has an outer side wall <NUM> that defines an interior space of a predetermined depth. The side wall <NUM> is formed as a single part having two pairs of opposing wall portions. The enclosed space of the base <NUM> is substantially open at its top and bottom, i.e. the outer side wall <NUM> of the base <NUM> forms a tubular structure. In this particular example embodiment, the footprint formed by the side wall <NUM> is substantially square or rectangular. However, any other suitable footprint of the base <NUM> may be used, e.g. circular or polygonal. In addition, the base <NUM> comprises a skirt <NUM> extending away from the side wall <NUM> and that is particularly adapted to eliminate, or at least minimise, any gapping between the base <NUM> of the cap <NUM> and the vehicle panel (not shown, e.g. from a carpet in the trim). In addition, the skirt <NUM> includes mechanical stops 220a,b (see <FIG> and <FIG>) adapted to prevent the luggage ring <NUM> from contacting the panel or trim (e.g. avoid rattling during movement). The stops 220a,b (e.g. in the form of a ramp feature extending laterally outward from a centre portion of the skirt <NUM>) also allow for the luggage ring <NUM> to be positioned at an angle with respect to the panel surface, thus, making it easier for the user to grab and pivot the luggage ring <NUM>, during use. In this particular example embodiment, the ramp features of the stops 220a,b are an integral part of the skirt <NUM>, but may also be attached or incorporated retrospectively.

The lid <NUM> of the verification cap <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The lid <NUM> is provided with an outer side wall <NUM> having a profile corresponding to the profile of the outer side wall <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The outer side wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is formed as a single part having two pairs of opposing wall portions. The bottom end of the lid's <NUM> side wall <NUM> is open, having a square or rectangular profile when viewed from the bottom. The top end of the lid <NUM> is closed. The lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> are complimentary to each other so as to form an enclosure for the inserted fastening clip <NUM>. Respective side walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the verification cap <NUM>, as well as, an interior rib portion of the base <NUM>, are each provided with substantially semi-circular cut-outs (i.e. opening) 209a,b, so that when the lid <NUM> and base <NUM> come together into a closed position, a circular opening (or through hole) is formed for the luggage ring <NUM> when the fastening clip <NUM> is inserted into the base <NUM>.

As particularly shown in <FIG>, projecting from a lower surface of the lid <NUM> are a first pair of verification tabs <NUM> and a second pair of verification tabs <NUM>. The second pair of verification tabs <NUM> is spaced apart from the first pair of verification tabs <NUM> along the bottom surface of the lid <NUM>. The verification tabs <NUM>, <NUM> have a predetermined length adapted to contactingly engage with resilient arms <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> when not inserted fully or correctly into the base <NUM>. Although two pairs of verification tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are described in this specific example embodiment, other embodiments may include a different number of verification tabs, for example one, three, four, or more. Further, a hook <NUM> projects downwards from the lower surface of the lid's side wall <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the hook <NUM> is integrally formed with the outer side wall <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. Correspondingly, the base <NUM> comprises a catch <NUM> (see <FIG> at a location opposite to the hook <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is in a closed position relative to the base <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, two opposing pairs of teeth <NUM> are parallelly arranged and extending upwards from respective rib members of the base <NUM>. The distal ends of the teeth <NUM> are each provided with a latch configured to securingly engage with the head <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> when the fastening clip <NUM> is placed within the verification cap <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> are made of substantially resilient material adapted to allow bending when the fastening clip is positioned into the base <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a fastening clip <NUM> as used with this particular example embodiment of the verification cap <NUM>, is illustrated with the luggage ring <NUM> in an upstanding position. The body <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> is integrally formed with a head <NUM>. The head <NUM> has an opening on its top surface, on which are provided mechanical stops <NUM> on opposite sides. These mechanical stops <NUM> act as a guide to secure the luggage ring <NUM> to the fastening clip <NUM>. The head <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> has holding arms <NUM> integral with and extending from opposite corners. The holding arms <NUM> are in contact with and partially surround the luggage ring <NUM> when the luggage ring <NUM> is secured to the fastening clip <NUM>. This allows the luggage ring <NUM> to be maintained in a desired position by friction during use, such as in the upstanding position shown in <FIG>. The body <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> is provided with openings on the sides. The openings provide access for parts of the fastening clip <NUM> to extend through from the inside of the body <NUM> through to the outside. More specifically, the fastening clip <NUM> is provided with a pair of oppositely protruding resilient arms <NUM> extending through a respective pair of opposite upper openings in the body <NUM>. The resilient arms <NUM> laterally protrude in a direction parallel to an upper surface of the head <NUM>. The fastening clip <NUM> is also provided with a pair of oppositely protruding shoulders <NUM> extending through a respective pair of opposite lower openings in the body <NUM>. The resilient arm <NUM> and shoulder <NUM> on each side are integrally formed, as best shown in <FIG>. At an end away from the head <NUM>, the fastening clip <NUM> is provided with legs <NUM> for inserting into a panel structure, in order to secure the fastening clip <NUM> to the support structure.

<FIG> illustrate a step-by-step series how the fastening clip <NUM> is retainingly coupled with the verification cap <NUM>. In particular, the lid <NUM> is opened and the fastening clip <NUM> is inserted from the top into respective semi-circular cut-outs 209a,b of the base <NUM>, so as to retainingly engage with the latch portions of the opposing pairs of teeth 218a,b. When the head portion <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> is fully inserted and coupled within the base portion <NUM>, the lid <NUM> is moved into its closed position and lockingly engaged with the base portion via respective hook <NUM> and catch <NUM>. Once assembled, the assembly of the verification cap <NUM> and fastening clip <NUM> can be mounted to the vehicle structure.

Referring now particularly to <FIG> and <FIG>, the verification cap <NUM> of the present invention is further provided with a Radio-Frequency-IDentification (RFID) system <NUM> operably coupleable between the verification cap <NUM> and the inserted fastening clip <NUM>. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the lid <NUM> of the verification cap <NUM> comprises an RFID base member <NUM> protruding from the lower (i.e. inner) surface of the lid <NUM> into the interior space formed by the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> when closed. Preferably, the RFID base member <NUM> is provided in a central region of the lid <NUM> between the two spaced apart pairs of verification tabs <NUM>, <NUM>. A RFID integrated circuit (IC) <NUM> is attached to the lower surface of the RFID base member <NUM> so that the RFID IC operating surface if facing downwards when the lid <NUM> is in the closed position (i.e. into the interior space of the verification cap <NUM>). The RFID IC <NUM> is configured to include a circuit element or portion <NUM> configured to function as a switch, i.e. the circuit element or portion <NUM> is configured to render the RFID IC <NUM> inoperative until it is activated. In the example of the present invention, the circuit element or portion <NUM> of the RFID IC <NUM> is activated by bridging two open contacts with a conductive material, such as is provided by the metal head portion <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM>. However, it is understood by the person skilled in the art that any other suitable "activation" of the inactive circuit element or portion <NUM> may be used within the scope of the invention. For example, an open contact switch element / mechanism may be incorporated into the RFID IC <NUM> configured to only "switch on" when the RFID IC <NUM> contact surface is pressed onto the head <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> at a predetermined pressure (i.e. bias between the RFID IC <NUM> and the fastening clip <NUM>), and "switch off' as soon as the circuit element or portion <NUM> is moved out of contact engagement with the fastening clip <NUM>. Alternatively, the switch element provided with the RFIC IC <NUM> may be an optical switch configured to switch activation states depending on the position of the lid <NUM>.

Further, in this particular example embodiment, the RFID base member <NUM> is provided by a resilient foam material attached to the lower wall of the lid <NUM> and adapted to provide a bias between the RFID IC <NUM> and the conducting surface area of the fastening clip <NUM> when the verification cap <NUM> has received the fastening clip <NUM> and is in the closed position. The thickness of the RFID base member <NUM> is such that the contact area of the RFID IC <NUM> is suitably and operably engaged with the conducting surface of the fastening clip <NUM>. It is understood by the person skilled in the art, that the RFID base member <NUM> can be provided by any suitable protrusion configured to operably "house" the RFID IC <NUM>. For example, the RFID base member <NUM> may be an integral protrusion of the upper lid <NUM> wall, either formed during moulding or press formed retrospectively. Further, an additional resilient layer (not shown) may be provided on the lower surface of the integral protrusion of the RFID base member <NUM> before the RFID IC <NUM> is attached or mounted. This resilient layer is configured to provide a predetermined bias between the RFID IC <NUM> and the conducting contact area of the fastening clip <NUM> suitable to activate the RFID IC <NUM> when the fastening clip <NUM> is correctly mounted within the verification cap <NUM> and to the vehicle panel or structure, and the lid <NUM> is in the closed position. The biasing force (or contact force) between the RFID IC <NUM> and the conducting area of the fastening clip <NUM> may be changed or altered (in case different RFIC IC's <NUM> are used with a particular verification cap <NUM>) using different resilient material (i.e. different polymer foams or rubbers or other elastic polymers) and/or a different thickness. In the same manner, in case a resilient layer is attached to an integral RFID base member <NUM> (i.e. integral to the lid <NUM>), the thickness and/or material of the resilient layer may be changed or altered to provide a desired bias between the RFID IC <NUM> and the conducting surface of the fastening clip <NUM>.

However, it is understood by the person skilled in the art that the bias between the RFID IC and the head <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> may be provided by any other suitable means, i.e. other than a resilient layer or foam member. For example, one or more spring elements (incorporated with the RFID base member <NUM>) may be used to provide a predetermined bias between the RFID IC <NUM> and the fastening clip <NUM> when the verification clip <NUM> is closed and fastened to the vehicle structure.

Alternatively, the RFID IC <NUM> may be simple attached or mounted to an integrally formed RFID base member <NUM> (i.e. integrally formed from the lid <NUM>) without any biasing means, wherein the RFID base member <NUM> has a thickness that is suitable to position the RFID IC <NUM> and circuit element or portion <NUM> into an activating engagement with the fastening clip <NUM>. For example, a maximum distance (i.e. gap) between the "engaged" RFID IC <NUM> and head <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> of less than ca. <NUM> (micrometre) may still be sufficient to allow a conducting "bridge" of the circuit element or portion <NUM> and "switch on" the RFID system <NUM>, wherein the performance of the RFIC system <NUM> will drop sharply when the distance or gap is greater than ca.

Referring now particularly to <FIG> and (c), in use, the verification cap <NUM> is opened and the fastening clip <NUM> is positioned into the semi-circular cut-outs 209a,b, latched onto the teeth 218a,b of the base <NUM> and mounted to the panel or other vehicle structure. Only if the fastening clip <NUM> has been correctly inserted into the verification cap <NUM> and/or the vehicle structure <NUM>, will it be possible to close the lid <NUM> of the verification cap <NUM>. In case the fastening clip <NUM> is not fully inserted into the base <NUM> and/or clipped into the panel or vehicle structure, the verification tabs will contactingly engage with the resilient arms <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM>, preventing the lid <NUM> to lock into the closed position. An incomplete assembly and insertion of the fastener assembly will also prevent the RFID system <NUM> from being activated, because the gap between the RFID IC <NUM> and the head <NUM> of the fastening clip will prevent a suitable contact engagement to conducingly bridge the circuit member or portion <NUM>.

When the fastening clip <NUM> is inserted into the verification cap <NUM> and the lid <NUM> is closed and locked with the base <NUM>, the RFID IC <NUM> is suitably pressed into engagement with the head <NUM> of the fastening clip <NUM> and therefore activates the RFID system <NUM>, i.e. switches the RFID system <NUM> from an inoperable state into an operable state. When the RFID system <NUM> is in the operable state, a RFID reader <NUM> can interrogate the RFID IC <NUM> and "read" any information provided by the RFID IC <NUM>. The simple fact that the RFID system <NUM> of a particular fastener assembly (i.e. verification cap <NUM> and inserted fastening clip <NUM>) is in an operable state when installed to the vehicle structure or panel, verifies to the user that the fastener assembly is installed correctly. Each one of a plurality of verification caps <NUM> may be provided with a unique ID (i.e. information stored on the RFID IC <NUM>) allowing the user to inspect the correct installation of individual fastening clips more efficiently. In particular, the user is able to verify correct installation from a remote location using a suitable RFID reader <NUM>.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above detailed examples have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed examples described above are possible.

Through the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs as described above are possible.

Claim 1:
A verification cap for verifying installation of a fastening clip (<NUM>) to a support structure comprising:
a tubular base member (<NUM>), comprising an enclosing side wall (<NUM>) defining an interior space between an open bottom end portion and an open top end portion, configured to retainingly receive at least a portion of the fastening clip during assembly, and
a cover member (<NUM>), hingeably connected to said base member and movable between a closed position, lockingly engaged with said top end portion of said side wall, and an open position, disengaged from said top end portion of said side wall,
a RFID system (<NUM>), operably coupled to an inner surface of said cover member and configured to actuate transmission of a verification signal only when said cover member is in said closed position, lockingly engaged with said top end portion of said side wall such that the fastening clip is in a predetermined position relative to said RFID system, during use.