Abstract: A fastener to connect a first component to a second component with an opening. The fastener includes a head with two lock tabs, each shaped with a sloped sidewall, and a lead-in portion that fits into the opening. A shank connects the lead-in portion to a push bar, which has at least one angled (chamfered) edge. Flexible legs extend between the head and the lead-in portion and compress as the lead-in portion is inserted. During installation, the chamfered edge of the push bar slides against the sloped sidewall of the lock tabs, allowing the push bar to move past them. Once in place, the lock tabs hold the push bar, keeping the flexible legs compressed and locking the fastener securely.

Abstract: Described is a tube retainer for securing at least one tube relative to a component. The tube retainer includes a first wall, a second wall spaced from said first wall, a tube pocket, and a reinforcement brace. The tube pocket is positioned between the first wall and the second wall. The tube pocket receives the tube. The reinforcement brace is formed on the outer surface of said first wall that is opposite the tube pocket.

Abstract: Described is a tube retainer for securing a tube relative to a component. The tube retainer includes a carrier portion and a fastener portion. The carrier portion secures the tube via a tube pocket. The tube pocket comprises a first set of flexible arms and/or a second set of flexible arms. The fastener portion defines a central longitudinal axis. The fastener portion is configured to engage the component via an opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling a first component to a second component via an integrated fastener. The component assembly includes a first component having a first surface and a second surface. An integrated fastener extending from the second surface and configured to attach the first component adjacent to the second component. The first component and the integrated fastener are formed as a unitary structure using, for example, an additive manufacturing process. The integrated fastener can include a clip assembly with one or more retention features extending outwardly from the integrated fastener at an end opposite the first component.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling a first component to a second component via an integrated fastener. The component assembly includes a first component having a first surface and a second surface. An integrated fastener extending from the second surface and configured to attach the first component adjacent to the second component. The first component and the integrated fastener are formed as a unitary structure using, for example, an additive manufacturing process. The integrated fastener can include a clip assembly with one or more retention features extending outwardly from the integrated fastener at an end opposite the first component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a weld pad for an ultrasonic welding system having a sonotrode. For example, a universal weld pad. The weld pad includes a base and a welding component. The base includes an opening to receive an end of the sonotrode. The welding component includes a set of legs and a bridge portion therebetween. The welding component conforms to an outer surface of the weld substrate during a welding operation.

Abstract: The body defines a central longitudinal axis and includes a sidewall that defines a hollow space configured to receive the stud. The three or more retention features are resiliently coupled to an interior surface of the sidewall and configured to retain the stud within the hollow space. Each of the three or more retention features are angled toward the central longitudinal axis and are configured to deflect outward from the central longitudinal axis as the stud passes through the hollow space. In some examples, the stud fastener is fabricated via an additive manufacturing technique.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastener for coupling a base component on which the fastener is deployed to a target component having an opening with which the fastener is configured to couple. The fastener has a core, a cap, and a plurality of prongs. Each prong has a shelf and may also have a ramp. The fastener is configured to couple with a variety of openings having different sizes, shapes, and dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for coupling a first component to a second component via an integrated fastener. The component assembly comprising a first component having a first surface and a second surface. An integrated fastener extending from the second surface and configured to attach the first component adjacent to the second component. The wherein the first component and the integrated fastener are formed as a unitary structure using, for example, an additive manufacturing process. The integrated fastener can comprise a clip assembly with one or more retention features extending outwardly from the integrated fastener at an end opposite the first component.

Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further includes a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post. The stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector further includes a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fastener for coupling a base component on which the fastener is deployed to a target component having an opening with which the fastener is configured to couple. The fastener has a core, a cap, and a plurality of prongs. Each prong has a shelf and may also have a ramp. The fastener is configured to couple with a variety of openings having different sizes, shapes, and dimensions.

Abstract: A connector is provided. The connector includes a post defining a first side, a second side, and a first end. The connector further includes a stationary wing formed on the first side of the post and extending away from the first side of the post. The stationary wing is inflexible relative to the post. The connector further includes a flexible wing attached to the second side of the post adjacent to the first end and extending away from second side of the post. The flexible wing is configured to flex relative to the post.