Clip-and-Insert Fastener for Rapid Vehicle Panel Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for attaching components to vehicle body panels are complex and time-consuming to pre-assemble, and lack simplicity in connection and disconnection processes.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a clip with an engaging member and a movable insert that can be deployed or retracted to secure or release a stud, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, utilizing a profiled guide and spring elements for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional fastening device with hollow cylindrical housing and fastening part with arms is used, then the component can be attached to the vehicle body panel, but the pre-assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is divided into two main segments: a clip that attaches to the component and an insert that engages with the stud. This segmentation allows the clip to be pre-assembled with the component independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed to be pre-assembled with the component before final installation on the vehicle body panel. The engagement member of the clip can be预先 attached to the component, and then the entire assembly is quickly secured to the stud, eliminating complex pre-assembly steps required by conventional devices.
2Reliability
If a secure connection is achieved between component and holder, then reliability is improved, but the disconnection process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with movable capability relative to the clip, allowing it to transition between engaged and disengaged positions. The latch can be moved from a locked position (where it secures the stud) to an unlocked position (where it releases the stud), enabling quick disconnection while maintaining secure connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically returns the insert to its engaged position after disengagement, and the latch mechanism self-locks when the stud is inserted. This self-service functionality reduces the time and effort required for both connection and disconnection operations while ensuring reliable securing.
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
Facilitates pre-assembly of the fixing part with the component, enabling simple and rapid connection and disconnection to the vehicle body panel, reducing assembly time and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an insert mounted on the clip and having a latch, wherein the insert is movable relative to the clip between: an extended position, in which the latch is aligned, in use, with the hole in the component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A connecting device (1) for removably attaching a component (10) to a support (11). The connecting device (1) includes a clip (2) with a projection for engaging in a hole (14) in a component (10) and an insert (3) mounted on the clip (2) and having a locking mechanism (4). The insert (3) is movable relative to the clip (2) between a deployed and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the locking mechanism (4) is aligned with the hole (14) in the component (10) into which the clip (2) is engaged, so that a stud (12) of a support (11) can be pushed into the hole (14) and into engagement with the locking mechanism (4) to attach the component (10) to the support (11). In the retracted position, the lock (4) is not aligned with the hole (14), so that the stud (12) can be removed from the hole (14) and the component (10) can be removed from the bracket (11).