Elastic Locking Clip Structure for Low-Force Secure Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clips require strong pushing-in forces to achieve secure attachment, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and difficulties in narrow spaces, especially when subjected to vibrations or impacts, such as those encountered near vehicle tires.
Innovation Solution
The clip design incorporates a combination of elastic moving parts, a cylindrical locking leg with a U-shaped slit, and a temporary fastening device, guide device, and press-connecting mechanism to allow for easy engagement with a weak force while maintaining a high engagement force, preventing the male member from being pulled out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engagement or restraining force is increased to prevent the male member from being pulled out, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the pushing-in operation force proportionately increases, deteriorating operation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locking claw is designed as a flexible piece that can dynamically change its position and engagement state. During insertion, the flexible locking claw bends to allow easy passage, then engages with the locking flange portion to provide strong retention, thus resolving the contradiction between easy operation and reliable attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is divided into separate functional components: the male member with locking flange portion, the female member with insertion hole, and the flexible locking claw. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the locking claw can be made flexible for easy engagement while the locking flange provides a secure engagement point, achieving both ease of operation and attachment reliability
2Reliability
If the engagement force is increased to maintain stable attachment under vibration and impact, then the reliability is improved, but the operation force required increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible locking claw adapts its engagement characteristics based on operational phase: during insertion it remains flexible for easy engagement (high productivity), while in the engaged state it provides rigid locking under vibration and impact (high reliability). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between operation efficiency and attachment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the locking claw changes from a flexible, compliant state during insertion to a rigid, locked state during operation. This parameter change allows the system to require minimal force during installation while providing strong retention under vibrational and impact conditions, thus improving both productivity and reliability
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 enables secure attachment with reduced operational force, maintaining excellent workability even when the engagement force increases, and effectively resists external influences like flying stones.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic piece, and a projection provided on the piece; the female member includes a locking hole formed in the locking leg, and the engagement device is formed by the projection and the locking hole
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A clip includes a male member including a head portion and a shaft portion; a female member including a locking leg portion forming an insertion hole into which the shaft portion is inserted, and a flange portion provided in an upper periphery of the locking leg portion; and an engagement device restraining the head portion in the flange portion substantially at the same time when the locking leg portion comes to a use state by pushing the shaft portion into the insertion hole. Essential parts are the engagement device formed by a claw portion provided in one of the head portion and the flange portion, and a hole portion provided in the other of the head portion and the flange portion, and engaging the claw portion. The claw portion projects to a piece portion elastically moveable, and one portion of a hole forming portion dividing the hole portion is formed to be elastically moveable through the hole portion.