Clip Fixation Structure for Stable Long-Member Bracket Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fixing structures for long members, such as control cables, to brackets are prone to instability due to snap ring twisting, which can lead to the bracket and cable case coming off, necessitating complex stopper mechanisms for prevention.
Innovation Solution
A fixing structure that employs a clip with a biasing portion and connection portion to securely attach the terminal member of the long member to the bracket, preventing axial rotation and movement, thereby eliminating the need for additional stoppers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap ring is used to fix the cable case to the bracket, then the long member can be fixed to the bracket, but the snap ring twists due to cable swinging, causing the bracket and cable case to come off
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing structure is divided into separate functional components: the cable case with groove, the snap ring with engagement portions, and the bracket with engagement slots. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together as a unified fixing system, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and fixing stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap ring acts as an intermediary element between the cable case and the bracket. It transfers and distributes the fixing forces, preventing direct contact between the cable case and bracket while maintaining secure attachment. This intermediary role prevents the twisting issue by providing a flexible connection that accommodates cable movement.
2Reliability
If a stopper is added to prevent the snap ring from coming off, then the fixing stability is improved, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper function is merged into the snap ring structure itself through the engagement portions that interact with the engagement slots on the bracket. This integration eliminates the need for separate stopper components, maintaining high fixing stability while keeping the overall structure simple and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary fixing connection, prevents detachment through its engagement portions, and accommodates cable movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components like separate stoppers, resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the snap ring is made more rigid to prevent twisting, then the fixing stability is improved, but the ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snap ring is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to flex during installation and then maintain a stable fixed position during operation. The engagement portions can deform to pass through the engagement slots and then lock into place, providing both ease of installation and fixing stability without requiring excessive rigidity.
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 solution provides a simple and effective method to fix long members to brackets, ensuring stability and preventing detachment, even under external forces or vibrations, without requiring complex additional components.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing portion (64) connected to both clip-side engagement portions (62), wherein the clip-side engagement portions (62) are separated from each other by the biasing portion (64)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A fixing structure (1) includes a first long member (2), a terminal member (3), a second long member (4), a bracket (5), and a clip (6). The bracket (5) has bracket-side engagement portions (53). The terminal member (3) has an engagement portion (32a) that engages with the bracket (5). The clip (6) has bracket-side engagement portions (62) that engage with the bracket-side engagement portions (53), a connection portion (63) that connects between the clip-side engagement portions (62), and a biasing portion (64) that connects to the clip-side engagement portions (62). The connection portion (63) has spring elasticity that allows separation and approach of the clip-side engagement portions (62). Using the fixing structure in which the clip-side engagement portions (62) engage with the bracket-side engagement portions (53) to suppress movement of the terminal member (3) in an axis X direction and in a direction perpendicular to the axis X direction makes it possible to fix the terminal of the long member in a simple structure.