Composite Edge Clip Structure for Low-Force Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional edge clips for attaching items to edges, such as cable ties, often require high push forces for installation and can lead to insecure attachments due to corrosion and deformation of the edge, especially when using metal clips on hard sheet metal edges.
Innovation Solution
An edge clip design incorporating a combination of hard and soft components, where the hard component forms a U-shaped body with integrally formed sidewalls and flexible legs that protrude into a gap, providing a spring force to hold the edge in place through friction, reducing the push force required for installation and maintaining a secure attachment without metal-induced corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal clips are used to attach items to hard sheet metal edges, then the attachment strength is improved, but corrosion and deformation of the edge occur leading to insecure attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The edge clip combines a hard component (for structural strength and spring force) with a soft component (for friction and gentle contact with the edge). This composite structure provides both the strength needed for secure attachment and the reliability by avoiding corrosion and deformation through the soft component's contact with the edge surface.
2Reliability
If conventional edge clips are used to attach items to edges, then the attachment function is achieved, but high push forces are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The soft component's ability to deform and the legs' angular configuration change the mechanical parameters of the attachment system. The soft component deforms during insertion to reduce resistance, and the legs' angle changes from >45° (when no edge is present) to approximately 45° (when edge is held), enabling easier installation while maintaining secure attachment.
3Force
If metal clips are used on hard sheet metal edges, then the holding force is improved, but the edge is deformed leading to insecure long-term attachment
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the edge clip have different material properties: the hard component provides structural integrity and spring force, while the soft component provides gentle, non-deforming contact with the edge. This local differentiation of material quality allows the clip to exert holding force without deforming the edge, ensuring long-term attachment security.
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 edge clip achieves a reliable and secure attachment to edges with reduced assembly time and production effort, as the soft component provides friction and the hard component offers spring force, ensuring a stable hold without deforming the edge, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the soft component provides friction and the hard component offers spring force, ensuring a stable hold without deforming the edge
Implementation Method 2
the hard component offers spring force, ensuring a stable hold
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an edge clip for attaching an item to an edge of an object. In an aspect, an edge clip includes a first part with a holding fixture for the item and a second part with two sidewalls and a gap between the two sidewalls. When the edge clip is plugged onto the edge, the edge is introduced into the gap in an insertion direction. The first part and the sidewalls are formed integrally with each other. The first part and at least a part of the sidewalls are formed of a hard component. At least two respective legs protrude into the gap and are formed integrally with each of the sidewalls. The legs of the different sidewalls are offset with respect to each other in the insertion direction and are formed at least in part of a soft component, relative to the hard component.