Angle-Compensating Fastening Clip Assembly for Panel Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fastener clips with W-shape designs are inefficient when installed at angles, leading to decreased effective panel range and increased force requirements due to interference between engagement members and panels, as they do not compensate for non-normal installation angles.

Innovation Solution

A fastening clip assembly with angle-compensating surfaces, featuring convex surfaces with tapered lateral edges and a rounded middle section, allowing secure connection over a range of angles without requiring excessive force, as the engagement members can flex and adjust to accommodate angled installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the fastener clip is installed at an angle relative to the panel, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the engagement members interfere with the panel causing decreased effective panel range and requiring increased installation force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation angle flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The back angle surface is changed from a symmetric flat plane to an asymmetric convex shape with varying radius of curvature. This asymmetric geometry allows the engagement members to naturally align with panels installed at various angles, preventing interference and reducing the force needed during angled installation while maintaining adaptability across different installation orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The flat planar back angle surface is modified to a convex surface with varying radius of curvature. This parameter change in the surface geometry enables the engagement members to accommodate different installation angles by providing varying contact points and alignment surfaces, thereby maintaining effective panel range while reducing installation force requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fastener clip is installed at an angle relative to the panel, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the effective panel range decreases due to interference between engagement members and panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation angle flexibilityVSAvoideffective panel range

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The back angle surface is changed from a symmetric flat plane to an asymmetric convex shape with varying radius of curvature. This asymmetric geometry allows the engagement members to naturally align with panels installed at various angles, preventing interference and reducing the force needed during angled installation while maintaining adaptability across different installation orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The back angle surface transitions from a two-dimensional flat plane to a three-dimensional convex surface with varying curvature. This dimensional change adds angular compensation capability, allowing the engagement members to accommodate installation angle variations while maintaining effective panel range through the additional geometric degree of freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If typical curved back angles with flat plane are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the angle compensation capability is lost causing decreased effective panel range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveback angle manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidangle compensation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flat planar back angle surface is modified to a convex surface with varying radius of curvature. This parameter change in the surface geometry enables the engagement members to accommodate different installation angles by providing varying contact points and alignment surfaces, thereby maintaining effective panel range while reducing installation force requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The fastening clip assembly securely connects to components over a range of angles without decreasing the panel-engaging range, eliminating the need for increased force during installation, thus ensuring easy and secure attachment even when installed at non-normal angles.

Implementation Method 1

the engagement members may be inserted through the hole of the panel and outwardly deflect to a securing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10914336B2Fastening clip assembly

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A fastening clip assembly is configured to securely connect to a component, and may include at least one engagement member that is configured to securely engage a portion of the component. The engagement member(s) may include an angle-compensating surface that is configured to allow the fastening clip assembly to securely connect to the component over a range of angles.