Angled Retaining Clip for Non-Parallel Vehicle Panel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining devices for vehicle panels are inadequate for angularly offset structures, leading to weak structural fixation, potential functional failure, and issues with misalignment and tolerance errors, requiring complex or multiple fasteners for non-parallel surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a shank extending at an angle from the head member, featuring resilient lip portions and torsionally deformable connecting elements, allowing for angular misalignment compensation and easy installation on non-parallel surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing retaining devices are used to fix structures to panel bodies, then simple installation is achieved, but the structures must be aligned in parallel which limits adaptability to angularly offset components
Solution Approach 1:
The shank is designed with torsionally deformable connecting elements that allow dynamic adjustment during insertion. The shank can twist to accommodate angular misalignment between the head member and engagement member, enabling the device to adapt to non-parallel surfaces without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its geometric parameters by allowing the shank to deform torsionally. This parameter change enables the shank to bridge the angular gap between misaligned surfaces, transforming the device from a rigid fixed-angle fastener to one that can accommodate variable angles up to a certain limit.
2Ease of operation
If pins are inserted at offset angles to accommodate misalignment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength and reliability deteriorate due to gaps formed between head and panel body
Solution Approach 1:
The torsionally deformable shank dynamically adjusts its angle during insertion to match the offset between components. This allows the head member and engagement member to remain substantially parallel while the shank absorbs the angular misalignment through controlled deformation, maintaining both ease of operation and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shank acts as an intermediary element that mediates the angular misalignment between the head member and engagement member. By deforming torsionally, it transfers and accommodates the angular discrepancy without allowing gaps to form at the critical connection points, thus preserving reliability while enabling easy installation.
3Reliability
If multiple complex fasteners are used to secure non-parallel surfaces, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple fasteners into a single integrated device. The head member, shank with torsionally deformable connecting elements, and engagement member work together as one unit to accomplish what would otherwise require multiple separate fasteners, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both parallel and angularly offset surfaces using the same basic structure. The torsionally deformable shank provides universal adaptability, allowing the device to secure non-parallel surfaces reliably without requiring different fastener types or complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables secure fixation of angularly offset structures with improved ease of use and vibration reduction, accommodating manufacturing and installation tolerances without the need for complex fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The shank may be provided with resilient lip portions... allowing for movement, so as to compensate for manufacturing and installation tolerances
Implementation Method 2
featuring resilient lip portions and torsionally deformable connecting elements, allowing for angular misalignment compensation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a retaining device for mounting a structure to a panel body of a vehicle. The retaining device comprises a head member having an upper surface defining an upper plane, a lower surface defining a lower plane, said upper and lower surface being spaced apart by a predetermined thickness. The retaining device also comprises a shank, having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, extending away from said lower surface of said head member along a longitudinal axis in a direction that is not normal to said lower plane. The retaining device further comprises an engagement member provided at said proximal end portion of said shank at a location spaced apart from said head member towards said distal end portion, adapted to cooperate with said head member, so as to retainingly engage the structure, during use.