Clip Design for Joining Pin Detachment via Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing component-securing device with a pre-curved annular clip is costly due to complex die molding requirements and structural complexity, making it difficult to achieve a small size and low cost.
Innovation Solution
A strip-shaped joining pin with wide and narrow faces and a clip design featuring support post portions, joining pin insertion portions, engagement portions, and pressing portions that allow for easy deformation to release engagement, simplifying the clip's shape and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clip is designed with a pre-curved annular shape to enable separation by pinching opposite end parts, then the clip can be detached from the joining pin, but the structure becomes complicated and molding cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular clip is segmented into multiple functional portions: a pair of first pressing portions for engagement release, a pair of second pressing portions for alternative release, and joining pin insertion portions. This segmentation allows simplified flat structure while maintaining multiple detachment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of curving the clip in advance to enable release, the invention inverts the approach by providing pressing portions that actively press the engagement portion against the joining pin during engagement, and the same pressing portions enable release when actuated. The clip remains flat rather than pre-curved.
2Ease of manufacture
If the clip structure is simplified to reduce molding cost, then manufacturing becomes more economical, but the ability to securely engage and detach from the joining pin may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the clip have specialized functions: engagement portions for secure attachment, pressing portions for controlled release, and joining pin insertion portions for alignment. This local differentiation ensures reliable engagement and detachment while maintaining a simple overall flat structure for cost-effective molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing portions serve as intermediaries that transmit force to release the engagement between the engagement portion and the joining pin. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable detachment without requiring complex pre-curved structures.
3Ease of operation
If the clip is designed with multiple pressing portions for easy release, then operation becomes simpler, but the clip size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portions serve multiple functions: they press the engagement portion against the joining pin during engagement, and when actuated, they enable release of the engagement. This multi-functionality allows simple operation without requiring additional separate components, keeping the clip compact.
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 design enables secure component attachment and detachment with reduced clip size, simplified molding, and cost-effective production by allowing the clip to deform inwardly for engagement release, suppressing tilting and flexing, and facilitating easy cutting of excess pin material.
Implementation Method 1
pushing the pair of pressing portions 14e in a direction of approaching each other makes the outer peripheral portion 14a deform
Data Source
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AI summary
In a component-securing device, in a state in which a base member (11) is secured to a component (12) by the engagement of an engagement portion (14j) of a clip (14) to a to-be-engaged portion (13c) of a joining pin (13), pushing a pair of pressing portions (14e) in an outer peripheral portion of the clip (14) in a direction (see arrow A) of approaching each other makes the outer peripheral portion (14a) deform and a pair of joining pin insertion portions (14c) move in a direction of moving away from each other, and engagement between the engagement portion (14j) of the clip (14) and the to-be-engaged portion (13c) of the joining pin (13) is released, thereby enabling the clip (14) to be pulled out from the joining pin (13). Merely deforming the outer peripheral portion (14a) of the clip (14) inward enables the engagement with the joining pin (13) to be released, and not only is it possible to reduce the dimension of the clip (14) in the direction of the axis (L) to thus achieve a small size, but it is also possible to simplify the shape of the clip (14), thus simplifying a die for molding and thereby cutting the cost of producing the clip (14).