Closure Cap Spring Clip Centering and Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure caps for motor vehicle openings suffer from insecurity due to length tolerance issues, which allow for flapping and vibration, and lack centering, leading to incomplete engagement and potential loss when the vehicle vibrates.
Innovation Solution
A closure cap design featuring a substantially flat lid element with an angled retaining element and an arcuate spring clip, comprising obliquely arranged first legs connected by an M-shaped bracket, providing a self-retracting and spring-like mechanism for secure hold and centering, along with centering webs and a catch element for prevention of loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hook structure is used for the closure cap, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure fixation deteriorates due to tolerance deviations allowing flapping and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a spring element that can dynamically adapt to tolerance deviations. The spring element deforms elastically to compensate for dimensional variations in the opening, maintaining reliable fixation without requiring a complex rigid structure. This allows the closure cap to remain simple while achieving secure fixation even when the opening dimensions vary within tolerance ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the spring element, which changes its deformation state based on the opening's dimensional parameters. When the opening size varies due to tolerances, the spring element automatically adjusts its compression or extension state, maintaining constant contact force and ensuring reliable fixation across different parameter variations without increasing structural complexity.
2Device complexity
If no centering mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of cap positioning deteriorates leading to incomplete engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the spring element with an asymmetric geometry relative to the closure cap's centerline. This asymmetric configuration creates a self-centering effect where the spring's deformation pattern naturally guides the cap into proper alignment with the opening during installation, achieving precise centering without adding complex centering mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the hook is too short to account for tolerance variations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fixation deteriorates as the closure cap can fall out during vehicle vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides dynamic adaptation to vibration conditions by maintaining continuous elastic contact with the opening. During vehicle vibration, the spring element can deform to absorb impact forces while maintaining fixation, preventing the closure cap from detaching without requiring an overly complex or oversized hook structure.
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
Ensures secure fixation and centering within the opening, even with tolerance deviations, and prevents loss by utilizing a spring clip that self-retracts and centers the cap, enhancing the seal and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate spring clip (9), which protrudes from the flat lid element (2), with the spring clip having two spaced-apart first legs (10, 11) which are arranged obliquely in this way, starting from the lid element and pointing away from one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The closure lid (1) has a planar lid element (2) with an angled supporting element (4) and an arc-shaped spring clip (9), which projects from the planar cover element. The spring clip has two spaced-apart and obliquely arranged legs (10,11), which are directed from the away side, starting from the lid element. The two legs are joined to one another by a bracket (12). The bracket has M-shaped two outer other legs and two third legs. Each of the latter legs are connected to each of the former legs. An independent claim is included for a closure element.