Clip Connection Spherical Male Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip connections lack a simple structural design with a high pull-off force relative to the joining force, limiting their versatility and reliability in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A clip connection featuring a male fixing element with a spherical or ball-like section and clamping jaws positioned below the equatorial plane, which creates a form fit and self-locking mechanism to resist pull-off forces, combined with an umbrella ring-like section that converts pull-off forces into bending moments to secure components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional clip connections are used, then the structure is simple, but the pull-off force is insufficient relative to the joining force
Solution Approach 1:
The male fixing element features a spherical or ball-like section that interfaces with the clamping jaws. This spherical geometry creates a form fit connection where the clamping jaws engage with the curved surface below the equatorial plane, generating self-locking through geometric interlocking. The curvature allows the clamping jaws to resist pull-off forces effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jaws are positioned asymmetrically below the equatorial plane of the spherical section, creating an undercut geometry. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the clamping jaws engage the male fixing element in a way that provides form fit and self-locking, preventing the clip element from detaching under pull-off loads while keeping the structure simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clip element design is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but versatility across different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clip element design with clamping jaws engaging a spherical fixing element creates a universal connection system. The spherical interface and undercut geometry provide form fit and self-locking that works across various applications and load conditions. This universal design allows the same basic clip element structure to be used in different contexts (vehicle body construction, furniture, etc.) without requiring complex variations, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
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 solution provides a secure and versatile connection with a high pull-off force, allowing for a wide range of applications while minimizing the joining force required, making it suitable for use in vehicle body construction, furniture, and other fields.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping jaws bear obliquely from below an equator plane of the spherical or sphere-like first section and thereby resist a pulling force acting on the clip element
Implementation Method 2
a positive fit or undercut of the clamping jaws of the clip element is created with respect to the male fixing element
Implementation Method 3
a pulling force acting on the second component is transferred to the umbrella-ring-like section of the clip element and is converted into a bending moment, which presses the clamping jaws of the clip element against the spherical or ball-like first section
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A clip connection (1) having • - a first component (2), • - a male fixing element (3) that projects from the first component (2), the male fixing element (3) having a first portion (3a) directly connected to the first component (2) and a second, spherical or spherical-like portion (3b) adjoining the first portion, and • - a clip element (5) that is clipped onto the male fixing element (3).