Single-Piece Clip for Attaching Protective Member to Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures for attaching protective members, such as footrests or tibia pads, to vehicle body panels are complex and require multiple attaching pieces, mounting holes, or through-holes, which complicates the attachment process.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece clip with a rib-fastening section and a support-fastening section that engages a rib and a stud respectively, allowing for a simple pushing operation without the need for mounting holes, using a molded hard plastic design with resilient pawls to secure the rib and a tube with protrusions to secure the stud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple attaching pieces are used to secure the protective member, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attaching pieces into a single integrated clip that simultaneously engages with both the protective member and the support. This single clip includes a first engaging portion for the protective member and a second engaging portion for the support, eliminating the need for separate attaching components while maintaining secure attachment.
2Strength
If mounting holes or through-holes are used for attachment, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for additional drilling and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from traditional hole-based fastening methods and implements it through a holeless clip mechanism. The clip engages with the protective member and support through external engagement surfaces, completely eliminating the need for mounting holes or through-holes while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If complex attachment structures are used, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first engaging portion for the protective member and a second engaging portion for the support. Each portion is optimized for its specific engagement function, allowing for simpler manufacturing of each segment while achieving reliable overall attachment through their coordinated operation.
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 solution provides a straightforward and secure attachment method that allows for easy installation and removal of protective members, reducing complexity and the need for additional hardware while maintaining secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
resilient pawls to secure the rib
Implementation Method 2
tube with protrusions to secure the stud
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for attaching to a support a protective member having a rib comprises a single-piece clip with a rib-fastening section and a support-fastening section. The rib-fastening section has a pair of walls defining a space into which the rib is inserted, and the walls have respective resilient pawls that engage opposite sides of the rib to resist withdrawal of the rib from the space. The walls have reinforcing braces outside the space. The support-fastening section has a tube with a tapered lead-in member for receiving a stud projecting from the support.