Elastic Fixing Component for Tool-Free Article Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with increased battery and electronic control unit installations, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, the lack of space makes it difficult to store in-vehicle articles like puncture repair kits without compromising luggage room usability, and existing solutions require tools for fixation, increasing labor and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An article storage structure that uses an elastic fixing component with a curved portion and support members to securely hold articles without the need for tools, utilizing elastic deformation to engage and restrict movement, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the fixation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nut and fastening tool are used to fix the battery, then the battery can be securely fixed, but the operation becomes more complex and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the nut and fastening tool from the fixation system, replacing them with a clamp that directly engages with the battery and support members. This eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining fixation reliability through the clamp's elastic deformation mechanism that provides secure holding force without requiring additional fastening elements
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to be self-fixing through elastic deformation. When installed between the support members, the clamp's elasticity automatically generates the necessary holding force to secure the battery, eliminating the need for external fastening tools or nuts. The system serves itself by using the inherent elastic properties of the clamp to achieve secure fixation
2Reliability
If a nut and fastening tool are used to fix the battery, then the battery can be securely fixed, but the labor required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the nut and fastening tool from the fixation process, reducing the number of steps required. The clamp can be directly installed and secured between support members without requiring threading, tightening, or any tool-assisted operations, thereby simplifying the workflow and reducing labor while maintaining secure fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clamp automatically secures itself through its inherent elastic properties when positioned between the support members. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual tightening operations or tool usage, making the fixation process simpler and more labor-efficient while ensuring reliable battery securing
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for fixation, then the article can be securely held, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components (clamp, support members, and fixation mechanism) into an integrated system. The clamp works in conjunction with the support members to provide secure fixation, reducing the total number of separate parts needed while maintaining or improving holding reliability through the coordinated elastic deformation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the fixation mechanism, generates holding force through elastic deformation, and interfaces with the support members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing the total part count while maintaining secure article holding
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 secure, tool-free fixation of in-vehicle articles, reducing labor and increasing holding force while allowing for efficient use of limited space, with the ability to restrict movement in multiple directions without the need for nuts or additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion elastically deformable is provided to at least one of the fixing component, the first support member, and the second support member, and the fixing component interferes with the article so as to fix the article by elastically deforming the elastic portion to engage the other end portion of the fixing component with the second support member
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing component is configured such that the other end portion of the fixing component is engaged with a second support member by elastically deforming an elastic portion provided to at least one of the fixing component, a first support member, the second support member. Accordingly, the fixing component can be brought to interfere (contact) with the article so as to fix the article by an elastic force (restoring force) of the elastic portion. Since this structure requires no nut when fixing the article, no tool is required for fastening the nut, and thus the procedure of fixing the article can be reduced, compare to a case of requiring a nut (related art).