Clip Attachment Structure With Self-Engaging Sharpened Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip attachment structures require two operations of insertion and rotation, leading to low workability and versatility due to specialized elongated-hole shapes.
Innovation Solution
A clip attachment structure with a clip having a head portion and a leg portion, featuring plate-shaped engagement protrusions with sharpened corners that elastically deform and dig into the inner circumferential wall of a cylindrical insertion hole, eliminating the need for rotation and enhancing attachment simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clip uses a conventional structure with rounded corners on engagement protrusions, then insertion resistance is reduced, but the clip cannot firmly dig into the inner circumferential wall surface and may come off
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusions have different corner treatments at different locations: the first corner (leading edge) has a larger radius of curvature to reduce insertion resistance, while the second corner (engagement edge) has a smaller radius of curvature to enable firm digging into the wall surface. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between easy insertion and secure engagement.
2Reliability
If the clip requires rotation after insertion to engage, then engagement reliability is improved, but workability and productivity deteriorate due to multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The clip automatically engages with the insertion hole wall through its specially designed engagement protrusions with sharpened corners that dig into the wall surface upon insertion. This self-engaging mechanism eliminates the need for separate rotation operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining engagement reliability.
3Reliability
If the insertion hole has a specialized elongated-hole shape, then clip engagement is improved, but versatility deteriorates due to limited applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The clip design with engagement protrusions featuring differentiated corner radii enables it to firmly engage with cylindrical insertion holes of standard shape. This allows the same clip to be universally applied to various attachment-target members with different specifications, improving versatility while maintaining reliable engagement.
4Ease of operation
If the engagement protrusions are made thinner to reduce insertion force, then ease of insertion is improved, but stiffness is reduced and the protrusions bend under come-off forces
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusions have non-uniform thickness distribution: they are thinner at the leading end to reduce insertion force, and thicker at the engagement end (where the second corner is located) to provide sufficient stiffness for withstanding come-off forces. This local thickness variation resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and structural strength.
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 structure allows for secure and efficient attachment by ensuring the clip remains fixed in the hole without separate rotation steps, improving workability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement protrusions are elastically deformed, and after the insertion, form an engaged state of digging into the inner circumferential wall surface by elastic restoration of the engagement protrusions
Data Source
AI summary
A clip is attached such that a leg portion protruding downward from a head portion is inserted into a cylindrical insertion hole of an attachment-target member. The clip has a plurality of engagement protrusions protruding from the leg portion and arranged in an insertion direction. The engagement protrusions have engagement corners sharpened to have a corner radius less than 0.2 mm. At the time of insertion into the insertion hole, the engagement corners slide on an inner circumferential wall surface while the engagement protrusions are elastically deformed. After the insertion, the engagement protrusions are elastically restored to dig into the inner circumferential wall surface, thereby preventing the clip from coming off from the insertion hole.