Vehicle Cover Panel Clip Layout for Hidden Snap-Lock Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for vehicle cover panels are often bulky and cannot be hidden, compromising the aesthetic appeal and requiring more space than available.
Innovation Solution
A compact clip system with an annular inner portion and radially extending leg portions that snap-lock the cover panel, combined with a fastening means that includes a shoulder portion creating an annular gap, allowing for hidden fixation and reduced height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional fastening system is used to connect the cover panel to the vehicle body, then the connection is secure, but the fastening system is bulky and cannot be hidden, compromising the aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into two separate components: a clip that attaches to the cover panel and a fastening means that attaches to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for compactness and hidden installation, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed with an annular inner portion with axial extension that is shorter than the leg portions, allowing the fastening means to be nested within the space defined by the leg portions. This nesting arrangement hides the fastening system between the cover panel and vehicle body, achieving both compactness and aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If a conventional fastening system is used, then the connection is secure, but more space is required between the cover panel and vehicle body than is available
Solution Approach 1:
The leg portions are designed to flex radially inwardly when subjected to pressing force and snap radially outwardly when the force ceases. This dynamic behavior allows the clip to adapt to limited space during installation while maintaining secure connection after installation, resolving the contradiction between connection security and available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system utilizes the radial dimension for the snap-locking action of the leg portions, rather than requiring additional axial space. This dimensional change allows the connection to be secured within the limited space between the cover panel and vehicle body.
3Volume of moving object
If the axial extension of the annular inner portion is made shorter, then the clip becomes more compact and can accommodate the fastening means, but the structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the clip are given different properties: the annular inner portion has shorter axial extension for compactness, while the leg portions have longer axial extension for snap-locking function. This local differentiation allows the clip to be compact overall while maintaining the structural integrity needed for each specific function.
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 hidden, compact, and efficient fastening system that maintains a smooth visual appearance by allowing the cover panel to conceal the clip and fastening means, while ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the leg portion is configured to flex radially inwardly towards the annular inner portion when the initial contact surface is subjected to a pressing force in a direction parallel to said second axial direction, and to snap radially outwardly when said pressing force on the initial contact surface has ceased
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a clip for connecting a cover panel to a vehicle body. The clip comprises an annular inner portion defining a central through hole for receiving a fastening means for securing the clip to the vehicle body. The clip also comprises a plurality of leg portions for snap-locking a cover panel to be mounted to the vehicle body. The leg portions extend radially from the annular inner portion and are circumferentially distributed and separated from each other by void spaces. Each leg portion has an initial contact surface. Each leg portion is configured to flex radially inwardly towards the annular inner portion when the initial contact surface is subjected to a pressing force, and to snap radially outwardly when said pressing force on the initial contact surface as ceased. The axial extension of the annular inner portion is shorter than the axial extension of the leg portions.