Adjustable Retaining Clip With Multi-Contact Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for securing holding elements to carriers lack the ability to adjust the holding and/or securing force flexibly, limiting control over the movement of the holding element relative to the carrier and making it difficult to meet varying securing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a channel with multiple contact areas and engagement sections that allow for adjustable force settings, enabling a staggered release mechanism by varying the orientation, position, and material selection of contact and latching areas, along with spring forces to control the force required to move the holding element relative to the carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fastener with single engagement section is used, then the structure is simple, but the holding force cannot be adjusted flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into multiple functional sections: an engagement section with locking sections for securing to the carrier, and a channel with contact areas for interacting with the retaining element. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section's function, enabling adjustable holding force through the channel-contact area mechanism while maintaining structural clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The channel is designed with contact areas that can interact with different sections of the retaining element at different positions. By varying the orientation, position, and material of these contact areas, the holding force becomes dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the fastener to adapt to different securing requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact areas are added to adjust holding force, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel serves multiple functions: it guides the retaining element into position, provides contact areas for holding force adjustment, and works in conjunction with the engagement section for secure attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different contact areas within the channel are designed with different local properties (orientation, position, material) to create specific interaction characteristics with different parts of the retaining element. This localized differentiation allows precise control of holding force at specific points without requiring complete redesign of the entire fastener structure
3Reliability
If the fastener uses strong engagement to secure the retaining element, then the reliability of retention improves, but the ease of maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is segmented into reversible engagement between the channel-contact area interface and the retaining element on one hand, and locking sections on the carrier on the other. This segmentation allows the retaining element to be released from the channel during maintenance while the locking sections remain engaged with the carrier, enabling maintenance without complete disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The channel and contact area are designed to automatically engage and disengage the retaining element through controlled interaction. During normal operation, the contact areas maintain reliable holding force; during maintenance, the same mechanism allows easy release by overcoming the engagement force, providing self-service functionality for both securing and releasing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixing element (1) for securing a retaining element (2) on a support (3), the fixing element (1) being designed as a retaining clip and having at least one limb (7, 8) and at least one first engagement section (12). The engagement section (12) extends outwards from the longitudinal axis (L) of the fixing element (1) and is designed to engage with the retaining element (2). The limb (7, 8) has at least one detent section (10) for restraining the retaining element (2) on the support (3) at an opening of the support (3). The fixing element (1) has a channel (15) for a section (14) of the retaining element (2) and at least one contact region (16) for the retaining element (2), said contact region being at least partially positioned in the channel (15). The contact region (16) is functionally connected to the engagement section (12) by means of a connection section (18) and has an angle of greater than 0° and less than 90° to the longitudinal axis (L) of the channel (15).