Deformable Clip for Trim Profile Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching trim profiles to profiled beads on glazing require precise positioning and are prone to detachment due to vibrations, complicating the design and maintenance of profiled beads, especially under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate fixing device with deformable attachment tabs that penetrate the profiled bead material without pre-existing slots or holes, allowing for automated clipping and easy repositioning without precise alignment, using a clip with a flat base and hooking lugs that deform to secure the trim profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flexible clip with simple bosses is used to attach trim profile to profiled bead, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fastening deteriorates due to permanent tension and vibration causing detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two independent parts: the profiled bead with pre-formed cavities (no moving parts) and the clip with deformable tabs (simple structure). This segmentation allows each component to have optimized functionality while maintaining overall system simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavities are pre-formed in the profiled bead during manufacturing, before the clip is attached. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex alignment during assembly and ensures reliable attachment by allowing the deformable tabs to simply penetrate into the pre-positioned cavities.
2Reliability
If mortise-tenon cooperation with friction effect is used between clip and profiled bead, then the reliability of fastening is improved, but the device complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the clip conform to a complex profiled bead shape (as in mortise-tenon systems), the profiled bead is designed with simple cavities that conform to the clip's deformable tabs. This inversion simplifies the profiled bead design and eliminates precise positioning requirements while maintaining reliable attachment through the friction effect of deformable tabs.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of clip relative to profiled bead is required during clipping, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to inability to automate the process
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tabs automatically find and penetrate into the cavities during the clipping process without requiring external alignment or positioning mechanisms. This self-service capability allows the attachment process to be easily automated while maintaining precise positioning, as the clip itself performs the alignment function through its deformable structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If pre-existing slots or holes are made in profiled bead material for clip attachment, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases due to required alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cavities are integrated into the profiled bead manufacturing process itself, forming as part of the encapsulation mold structure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate slot or hole creation steps and removes the requirement for complex alignment mechanisms, as the cavities are already in their correct positions when the clip is attached.
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 reliable attachment and repositioning of trim profiles without complex profiled bead designs, allowing for automated assembly and maintaining the trim under vibrations, simplifying the manufacturing process and ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
said distal ends of the tabs being deformed by applying a force to the ends of said tabs in the direction of the material of said profiled bead in two opposite directions to penetrate the material of said profiled bead
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for mounting an insert, such as a trim (2'), on a portion of a profiled bead (3), and in particular on a portion of a profiled bead attached to the periphery of a glass sheet (4) via an intermediate attachment device, said intermediate attachment device comprising at least one clip (5) having at least one upstream engaging portion intended to enable the engagement with said profiled bead (3) and a downstream engaging portion intended to enable the engagement with said insert, said method comprising a step of attaching said intermediate attachment device onto said profiled bead (3). The intermediate attachment device comprises an upstream engaging portion having a plurality of deformable connecting tabs (10), said tabs being deformed by applying a force to the ends of said tabs (10) in the direction of the material of said profiled bead (3) in two opposing directions so as to penetrate the material of said profiled bead (3) during the attachment step.