Clip for holding two flat elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clips for holding two planar elements at their main faces lack sufficient mechanical resistance to external stresses, leading to separation under strong winds or external forces, as seen in the case of fixing photovoltaic module frames to support structures.
Innovation Solution
A clip design featuring side walls with through grooves, an upper wall with a flexible tongue for pressure application, and a claw at the free end of the lower segment, with an inclined upper segment to maintain element alignment and prevent disassembly, along with a second planar element having openings to accommodate the claw, ensuring secure assembly and resistance to external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clip with through grooves and flexible tab is used to hold two planar elements, then the assembly allows flat elements to be brought into contact at their main faces, but the mechanical resistance to external stresses is insufficient and elements can separate under strong wind
Solution Approach 1:
The groove contour is segmented into three distinct segments: upper segment, lower segment, and junction segment. This segmentation allows each segment to perform a specific function - the upper and lower segments provide structural support while the junction segment provides flexibility for element insertion and accommodation of thickness variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove contour is designed with a non-zero angle between the upper and lower segments, creating a three-dimensional geometric configuration rather than a simple linear groove. This angular design provides mechanical advantage by creating a locking effect that resists external stresses while maintaining ease of assembly.
2Device complexity
If the upper and lower segments of the groove contour are parallel, then the groove structure is simple, but the free ends of the segments can come into contact and interfere with element insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The groove contour is designed with asymmetric upper and lower segments that are not parallel but form a non-zero angle with each other. This asymmetric design prevents the free ends of the segments from coming into contact while maintaining structural simplicity and facilitating easy element insertion.
3Strength
If the junction segment of the groove contour is designed with a specific shape, then the mechanical resistance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The junction segment is designed with specific geometric parameters - a non-zero angle between upper and lower segments, and a predetermined shape that balances mechanical resistance with manufacturability. These parameter optimizations ensure high mechanical performance while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
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 clip effectively maintains the assembly of planar elements under various stresses, preventing disassembly and ensuring secure attachment of photovoltaic module frames to support structures, enhancing mechanical resistance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an upper wall provided with a flexible tongue configured to apply pressure to the two planar elements when the latter are housed in the grooves and to press them against the lower segment of the outline of the groove
Implementation Method 2
the upper segment is inclined at an angle comprised between 1° and 5° with respect to the lower segment in order to move the free ends of the lower segment and the upper segment of the contour of the groove away from each other
Implementation Method 3
the free end of the lower segment is provided with a claw projecting into the groove
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a clip (1) for holding two flat elements joined together at their main face, the clip (1) comprising: at least two side walls (2a, 2b) each having a through groove (3) for receiving the two flat elements, each groove (3) being delimited by a contour having an upper segment (3a), a lower segment (3b), and a joining segment (3c); an upper wall (2c) having a flexible tab (4) configured to apply pressure to the two flat elements when they are placed in the grooves (3) and to press them against the lower segment (3b) of the groove (3). The free end of the lower segment (3b) is provided with a claw (5) projecting into the groove (3), and the upper segment (3a) is inclined at an angle between 1° and 5° with respect to the lower segment (3b).