Clip Fastener Retention Against High Pull-Out Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems face issues with captive securement and high pull-out forces, leading to undesired release of the clip element from the fastening element, especially during mounting and demounting, due to insufficient interaction between the clamping tab and guide body.
Innovation Solution
The fastening system incorporates interacting stop portions in addition to latching portions, which counteract release of the clip element from the fastening element, ensuring the fastening element is not extracted from the receptacle without the clip element, even under high pull-out forces, by applying radially outward forces on the retaining edges of the clip element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If latching portions are used to hold the clip element on the fastening element, then the clip element is secured during normal operation, but under high pull-out forces the clip element can still release from the fastening element
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining function is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: latching portions for normal operation and stop portions for high-force protection. The latching portions include interacting latching elements that provide captive securement during normal use, while the stop portions include stop surfaces and stop elements that engage only under excessive pull-out forces to prevent release. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop portions are designed to provide preliminary anti-action against excessive pull-out forces before the clip element can release from the fastening element. The stop surfaces and stop elements are pre-positioned to engage when pull-out force exceeds a predetermined threshold, creating a counteracting force that prevents the harmful release action from occurring in the first place.
2Ease of operation
If the clip element is designed to be easily removable for mounting purposes, then mounting is simplified, but the clip element may be accidentally removed during handling or delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system employs dynamic characteristics where the latching portions allow for controlled engagement and disengagement during intentional mounting operations, while the stop portions create a dynamic threshold that must be exceeded for release. The spring element provides dynamic force that maintains latching engagement during normal handling but allows controlled release when deliberate mounting force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force parameter required for release based on the operational context. During normal handling, the latching portions maintain engagement with sufficient force to prevent accidental removal. During intentional mounting, the operator applies force that exceeds the latching threshold but remains below the stop portion threshold, allowing controlled removal when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the latching portions are designed to allow release under excessive pull-out force, then the fastening system can be removed from the receptacle, but the clip element may separate from the fastening element during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The stop portions are pre-configured to engage before the clip element can separate from the fastening element during the demounting process. When pull-out force is applied, the latching portions release first allowing movement, but the stop portions immediately engage to maintain the connection between the clip element and fastening element, preventing separation until the entire assembly is removed from the receptacle.
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
This combination of latching and stop portions provides reliable captive securement and significantly increases the maximum pull-out force, preventing the fastening element from being released from the clip element, allowing for pull-out forces exceeding 350N without destruction of the system.
Implementation Method 1
an axial pulling force to release the fastening element and clip element from the receptacle produces a radially outwardly acting force on the retaining edges of the clip element
Implementation Method 2
the stop portions can in particular also increase the forces which act radially outward upon exertion of a pulling force
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system for fastening in a receptacle of a carrier component includes a fastening element with a guide portion insertable into the receptacle along a direction of insertion, and a clip element which is plugged onto the guide portion and which, to hold the fastening element and clip element in the receptacle, has retaining edges which interact with an inner surface of the receptacle, wherein the guide portion and clip element have interacting latching portions formed in such a way that an axial pulling force to release the fastening element and clip element from the receptacle produces a radially outwardly acting force on the retaining edges of the clip element, wherein the fastening element and the clip element further have interacting stop portions which counteract release of the clip element from the fastening element.