Fastening Clip Assembly Multi-Directional Deflectable Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fasteners, such as W-shape fasteners, typically allow for collapsible motion in only one direction, limiting their range of motion and providing only two points of contact with a hole, which restricts their ability to securely connect panels and resist peel and shear loads.

Innovation Solution

A fastening clip assembly with deflectable beams that can move in two distinct directions, featuring an anchoring beam and motion-limiting members that provide multiple points of contact, allowing for secure connection and resistance to peel and shear loads by offsetting the deflectable beams and motion-limiting members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing fasteners use single-direction collapsible motion, then the structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited and panel connection security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is divided into multiple deflectable beams (first and second beams) that can move independently in different directions. Each beam is separated into distinct functional segments including lead-in noses, deflectable portions, and motion-limiting members, allowing multi-directional collapse while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener transitions from single-direction collapse to multi-directional collapse by adding deflectable beams that can move in both lateral directions toward the central axis and axial directions. This dimensional expansion allows the fastener to adapt to panels at various angles and positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If existing fasteners provide only two points of contact with the hole, then the structure is simple, but the ability to resist peel and shear loads is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to peel and shear loadsVSAvoidnumber of contact points

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener creates multiple distinct contact points through separate deflectable beams, each with its own lead-in nose and motion-limiting members. The first and second beams contact the panel at different locations, distributing loads across multiple points rather than concentrating force at two points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The motion-limiting members are positioned asymmetrically on each deflectable beam, with different configurations for lateral and axial motion control. This asymmetric design allows optimized contact at multiple points while maintaining ease of insertion in the primary direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If existing fasteners allow pivoting within the panel during insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but connection stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener incorporates dynamic motion-limiting members that control the collapse sequence during insertion. The deflectable beams are designed to collapse in a controlled manner, first allowing lateral movement for ease of insertion, then limiting further motion to prevent pivoting and ensure stable connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lead-in noses are pre-configured with specific geometries that guide the initial insertion and control the collapse sequence. The motion-limiting members are positioned in advance to prevent excessive pivoting before the fastener is fully inserted and secured

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 fastening clip assembly achieves secure connection and resistance to peel and shear loads by allowing collapsible motion in multiple directions, providing greater stability and ease of assembly and disassembly, with four points of contact ensuring direct and even force application.

Implementation Method 1

deflectable beams connected to the securing support. The deflectable beams may be configured to move in first and second directions when the deflectable beams are mated with one or both of the first and second panels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Each of the deflectable beams may include a lead-in nose having an arcuate notch. The notch is configured to allow each of the deflectable beams to move in one of the first or second directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

The securing support may include an anchoring beam configured to abut into internal edge portions of one or both of the first and second panels at first and second points of contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9593701B2Fastening clip assembly

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A fastening clip assembly is configured to securely connect a first panel to a second panel. The fastening clip assembly may include a collar, a securing support extending from the collar, and deflectable beams connected to the securing support. The deflectable beams are configured to move in first and second directions when the deflectable beams are mated with one or both of the first and second panels. The first direction differs from the second direction.