Vehicle Console Clip With Flexible Connecting Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clips for vehicle consoles require a significant compressive force to insert into apertures, making the assembly process cumbersome and labor-intensive due to size mismatches between the clip and aperture.
Innovation Solution
A clip design with a head portion, two legs, and locking portions that include a connecting portion to facilitate easier insertion by reducing the force required, featuring a tip that guides the locking portion into the aperture, allowing for a secure fit without extensive compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clip is designed with a larger end size to ensure secure fit within the aperture, then the retention reliability is improved, but the insertion difficulty increases due to the size mismatch with the aperture opening
Solution Approach 1:
The clip incorporates a flexible connecting portion that allows the locking portions to dynamically adjust their position during insertion. This flexibility enables the clip to transition from a compressed insertion state to a locked retention state, resolving the contradiction between secure fit and ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is divided into distinct functional segments: legs for insertion, locking portions for retention, and a connecting portion for flexibility. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the legs can be inserted while the locking portions engage with the aperture, resolving the size mismatch contradiction.
2Strength
If the ramped surface extends along the entire width of the legs to provide locking engagement, then the retention strength is improved, but the compressive force required for insertion increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the insertion function. The locking portions are positioned only at specific locations on the legs rather than extending along the entire width, allowing insertion at one location while maintaining locking at another, thus reducing the force required for insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion acts as an intermediary element that transmits the locking force from the locking portions to the legs while allowing independent movement during insertion. This mediator enables the locking portions to engage the aperture without requiring excessive compression of the entire leg structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the clip design requires precise size matching between the end and aperture opening, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the assembly complexity increases due to the need for significant compression
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting portion introduces dynamic adaptability to the clip design, allowing it to accommodate slight variations in aperture dimensions without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances. This reduces manufacturing precision requirements while simplifying assembly through elastic deformation rather than forced compression.
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 new clip design reduces the assembly force needed by approximately 30% compared to conventional clips, enhancing ergonomics and efficiency during assembly while providing a secure and durable connection.
Implementation Method 1
A tip of each of the legs is configured to extend into the opening and guide the locking portion to the opening
Implementation Method 2
a connecting portion formed around a portion of each of the locking portions... The connecting portion is configured to move relative to the leg
Implementation Method 3
two locking portions formed on a portion of each of the legs and extending along a portion of the width of each of the legs, the two locking portions configured to engage with the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console assembly includes a console and a clip. A wall of the console defines an aperture extending between the front side and the back side of the wall. The clip is installable within the aperture of the console. The console and clip are configured to removably secure a cup holder within the console. The clip includes a head portion and two extensions insertable into the aperture. Each of the two extensions includes a leg extending from the head portion and a locking portion configured to engage with the console. The clip extends from a first end at an end of the head portion to a second end at an end of the extensions. The distance between opposite sides of the clip at the second end of the clip is less than the distance of an opening of the aperture along the front side of the wall.