Clip Body Positioning Through Plate Openings for Axial Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip bodies used to connect panels in vehicles or aircraft lack reliable and stable positioning, often losing their position when subjected to axial forces, leading to instability in the fastening arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A clip body with a positioning element that can be passed through a fastening opening and features a locking tongue for axial stabilization, combined with a stiffening element and optional sealing components, ensuring secure positioning and additional stability during assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clip body uses only spring force from two legs to absorb axial forces, then the structure remains simple, but the positioning reliability deteriorates as the clip loses its position under axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is segmented into distinct functional parts: a positioning portion with stop that engages the plate opening edge for lateral positioning, and a locking portion with tongue that extends through the plate for axial stabilization. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from two-dimensional positioning (lateral placement on the plate) to three-dimensional stabilization by adding the axial dimension through the locking tongue that extends through the plate. This dimensional extension provides stability in the axial direction that was previously unavailable, resolving the positioning reliability issue without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
2Manufacturing precision
If the leg bends away when a fastener is inserted, then the assembly process becomes flexible, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates as the clip loses its position
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element performs preliminary positioning action before the fastening process begins. The stop on the positioning portion engages the edge of the plate opening to establish accurate lateral position, and the locking tongue is pre-configured to extend through the plate for subsequent axial stabilization. This preliminary positioning ensures manufacturing precision is maintained throughout the assembly process while allowing operational flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If visual checking is required to align the clip with the mounting hole, then no additional alignment mechanisms are needed, but the assembly time increases and positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element provides self-service alignment functionality. The stop on the positioning portion automatically engages the edge of the plate opening to establish precise lateral position without requiring visual inspection. The locking tongue automatically extends through the plate opening to provide axial stabilization. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for visual checking, improving both alignment precision and assembly speed.
4Reliability
If the clip body is made of insulating material to prevent corrosion, then corrosion resistance improves, but the structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clip body is constructed from composite materials that combine the corrosion-resistant properties of insulating materials (such as plastic or polymer composites) with reinforcement elements that provide the necessary structural strength. The positioning element and locking tongue are integrated into this composite structure, maintaining both corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity throughout the fastening application.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clip body (10) with a mounting (12) for a securing device (14). The clip body (10) can be secured to a plate (18) which is provided with at least one securing opening (16), and the clip body (10) has two limbs, one of which can be arranged on a first face of the plate (18) and the other can be arranged on a second face of the plate (18). For this purpose, the clip body is plugged onto an edge of the plate (18). The clip body (10) has at least one positioning element (20). According to the invention, the at least one positioning element (20) can be guided through the securing opening (16) of the plate (18), and the clip body (10) can be positioned on the plate (18) in that the at least one positioning element (20) strikes an edge (22) of the securing opening (16). The invention further relates to a clip (30) and a securing assembly (50).