Pin-less Assist Grip Assembly with Contoured Retaining Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing assemblies for assist grips in vehicles are prone to bending and wear, compromising their effectiveness during impacts and over time, necessitating a robust and reliable securing system.
Innovation Solution
A pin-less assist grip assembly featuring a retaining clip with contoured retention features, a mounting cushion, and a cover, which secures to a structural component without separate pivot pins, utilizing snap-fit engagement and integral mounting studs for stability and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional securing assemblies with flat engagement surfaces are used, then the assist grip can be easily installed, but the securing assembly is susceptible to bending and wear during impacts and over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing flat engagement surfaces with contoured retention features including curved retention surfaces and rounded edges on the retaining clip. These curved features distribute impact forces more effectively and resist bending compared to flat surfaces, directly addressing the reliability issue while maintaining ease of installation through the snap-fit engagement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing assembly uses composite construction by integrating multiple materials with complementary properties: a metal retaining clip for strength and impact resistance, a polymer mounting cushion for vibration damping and wear resistance, and a cover for protection. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials that collectively provide both ease of installation and high reliability against bending and wear.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fasteners with separate pivot pins are used, then the assembly is simple to manufacture, but it compromises strength and stability during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fastening components into an integrated retaining clip assembly. The retaining clip combines the functions of a pivot pin, mounting bracket, and securing element into a single piece that directly engages with the mounting cushion. This integration eliminates weak points between separate components and provides continuous structural support during impacts, significantly improving strength while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the single-piece clip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting cushion acts as an intermediary element between the retaining clip and the assist grip assembly. This cushioned interface distributes impact forces across a larger area and provides shock absorption, enhancing the overall strength and stability of the securing assembly during impacts while allowing for straightforward manufacturing of each individual component.
3Ease of operation
If traditional securing assemblies are used, then installation is straightforward, but they wear with use over time compromising effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical properties of the securing assembly components. The retaining clip uses elastic deformation of its retention beams to provide continuous contact pressure, while the mounting cushion uses viscoelastic material properties to dampen vibrations and reduce wear. These parameter changes in material behavior and mechanical properties significantly extend service life while maintaining easy installation through the snap-fit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting cushion provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned between the retaining clip and the assist grip assembly before any wear or impact occurs. This cushioning element prevents direct metal-to-metal contact, absorbs vibrations during operation, and distributes loads evenly, thereby preventing wear before it can compromise the effectiveness of the securing assembly and extending its service life.
Data Source
AI summary
An assist grip assembly is configured to be secured to a component. The assist grip assembly includes a handle defining a retention chamber, and a fastening assembly pivotally secured to the retention chamber of the handle. The fastening assembly includes a mounting cushion having a central channel and at least one mounting stud pivotally coupled to the retention chamber. The mounting cushion secures the fastening assembly to the handle. A retaining clip is coupled to the mounting cushion. The retaining clip is configured to secure to the component.