Clip Body Positioning via Edge Bearing Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening arrangements for panels require visual checking for clip positioning and lack stability during the fastening process, especially when fastening openings are not near the panel edge, leading to potential misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
A fastening arrangement where the locking element is positioned opposite the retainer, allowing the clip body to be inserted without visual checking, providing axial stabilization from the moment of insertion, and featuring a locking element that contacts the panel away from the retainer, along with reinforcement elements and sealing capabilities to ensure stability and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clip body is inserted without visual checking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clip body is designed with self-positioning features including a positioning element that automatically engages with the positioning opening edge, and a locking element that automatically contacts the panel to prevent axial displacement. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for visual checking during installation while ensuring accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning opening is designed with specific dimensional relationships to the fastening opening, and the positioning element is pre-configured to engage with the positioning opening edge before the fastening operation begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures the clip body is correctly positioned before fastening, eliminating the need for visual verification during the process.
2Device complexity
If the clip body is stabilized axially only after fastening device completion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability during operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is segmented into two independent components: a positioning element that provides radial positioning by engaging the positioning opening edge, and a locking element that provides axial stabilization by contacting the panel. This segmentation allows axial stabilization to begin during insertion without requiring complex interdependencies between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to contact the panel and provide axial stabilization as soon as the clip body is inserted into the positioning opening, before the fastening device is fully assembled. This preliminary stabilization action prevents misalignment and instability during the fastening process while maintaining simple device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the positioning opening size is increased to allow easy insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented between the positioning opening (which provides a large clearance for easy insertion) and the positioning element (which provides precise positioning by engaging the opening edge). This segmentation allows the positioning opening to be large for ease of insertion while the positioning element ensures precise final positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element acts as an intermediary between the clip body and the positioning opening. It allows the clip body to be easily inserted through the large positioning opening while simultaneously providing precise positioning by bearing against the opening edge, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of ease of insertion and positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening arrangement with a clip body, a fastening device and a panel is provided, with the clip body having a retainer for the fastening device, the clip body being fastenable to the panel which has fastening and positioning openings so that the clip body can be positioned on the panel by a stop of a positioning element on an edge of the positioning opening. The positioning opening has a size which allows the clip body with the fastening device held thereon to be passed at least partially therethrough, the positioning element bearing at least partially against the edge of the positioning opening and the positioning element at the same time being or being connected to a locking element which makes contact with the panel on a side facing away from the retainer. The locking element is arranged opposite the retainer. A clip body and clip are also provided.