Crimped Retaining Element Design for Rivet-Free Structural Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining apparatus, such as hair clips or security pass holders, require additional manufacturing steps and can cause hair snagging due to the use of rivets for structural support, which increase costs and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A retaining apparatus design where the first and second retaining elements, connected by a hinge and detent means, are formed as a one-piece unit with crimping to achieve reorientability between convex and concave positions, eliminating the need for rivets and reducing manufacturing steps and hair snagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rivets are used to cause shortening and provide structural support, then the retaining apparatus achieves stability and structural integrity, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional manufacturing steps and hair may become caught on the rivet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and the shortening function into a single integrated component. The first retaining element is formed as one piece with differential crimping, where the first part is crimped more than the second part, eliminating the need for separate rivets. This integration reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies differential crimping parameters to different parts of the same component. The first part is crimped to a greater degree than the second part, creating the necessary shortening and structural support without additional components. This parameter variation achieves the same effect as rivets but through a single manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If rivets are used to provide structural support, then the retaining apparatus maintains stability, but hair may become caught on the rivet during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural support function into the retained element itself through differential crimping, eliminating separate rivet components that could snag hair. The integrated design ensures structural integrity while removing protruding fasteners that cause hair catching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of visible fasteners into a benefit by using crimping that is less likely to snag hair. The crimped sections provide structural support while having a smoother profile compared to rivets, thus converting the structural support requirement into a hair-friendly design.
3Reliability
If additional manufacturing steps are used to attach rivets, then structural support is achieved, but productivity decreases due to increased manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (structural support, shortening, and retention) into a single component manufactured in one process. The differential crimping is applied during the same manufacturing step as the retaining element formation, eliminating separate rivet attachment operations and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the shortening and structural support creation during the initial manufacturing of the retaining element through differential crimping. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent rivet attachment steps, streamlining the manufacturing process and increasing production speed.
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 crimping method allows for cost-effective manufacturing and enhanced gripping capabilities without the need for rivets, improving usability and reducing hair snagging issues.
Implementation Method 1
the shorter one of the first and second parts (14,16) is crimped such that the crimping causes the shortening
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
Retaining apparatus (2) comprising: (i) first and second retaining elements (4, 6) extending adjacent one another; (ii) a hinge (8) connecting the first and second retaining elements (4, 6) at a hinge zone (10); and (iii) detent means (12) spaced from the hinge (8) and arranged to hold together the first and second retaining elements (4, 6); the retaining apparatus (2) being such that: (iv) the first retaining element (4) has an ability to be reorientable with respect to the second retaining element (6) between a first position of stability which is convex and a second position of stability which is concave; (v) the first retaining element (4) comprises a first part (14) and a second part (16); (vi) one of the first and second parts (14, 16) is shorter than the other of the first and second parts (14, 16) in order that the first retaining element (4) has the ability to be reorientable; and characterised in that: (vii) the shorter one of the first and second parts (14, 16) is crimped such that the crimping (18) causes the shortening.