Edge Clip Structure With Soft Legs for High-Friction Sheet Metal Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge clips for attaching items to edges, such as cable ties, often rely on metal components that can cause corrosion and require complex assembly, while also being less effective on hard sheet metal edges due to limited friction and high push-pull force differences.
Innovation Solution
The edge clip design incorporates a combination of hard and soft components, with the hard component forming a U-shaped body and the soft component forming flexible legs that protrude into a gap to hold the edge in place, reducing the push force required for attachment and increasing friction for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal components are used in edge clips, then structural strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The edge clip combines a hard component (providing structural strength) with a soft component (providing corrosion resistance and friction). This composite material approach allows the device to achieve both mechanical strength and corrosion resistance by using materials with complementary properties rather than relying solely on metal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by introducing a soft component with different mechanical properties (softer, more elastic) compared to traditional metal components. This parameter change enables the edge to be held securely through elastic deformation and friction rather than rigid metal-to-metal contact, improving corrosion resistance.
2Device complexity
If metal components are used in edge clips, then assembly complexity increases, but ease of manufacture improves
Solution Approach 1:
The hard component and soft component are merged into a single integrated edge clip structure. The soft component is formed as an integral part of the hard component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturability through single-piece molding or forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft component is nested within or integrated into the hard component structure. The legs of the soft component are formed within the body of the hard component, creating a nested configuration that simplifies assembly while allowing both materials to contribute their respective functions.
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
This design allows for a more reliable and secure attachment of the edge clip to edges, including hard sheet metal, by reducing assembly complexity, avoiding corrosion, and maintaining a high difference between push and pull forces, thus enhancing the overall attachment reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the legs are flexible with respect to the sidewalls and can be bent towards the sidewalls when introducing the edge into the gap
Implementation Method 2
increasing friction for secure holding
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.