Fastening Clip Structure for High Retention and Easy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for automotive components require tool-assisted removal, risk damage during disassembly, and need additional components like washers and sealing rings to compensate for dimensional deviations, while also not allowing for easy installation without openings in the parts.
Innovation Solution
A fastening clip with a base part having a stud-receiving opening divided into a fastening and unlocking region, utilizing resilient retaining means that allow for high axial retention force without requiring significant force for release, and a return lock to prevent re-engagement, along with a fastener design that includes a receptacle part with a pilot slot for easy installation and position compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If resilient retaining means are used to hold the stud in place with high retention force, then the retention force is improved, but the removal process requires overcoming this force which may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is divided into two distinct regions: a fastening region with resilient retaining means that provides high retention force, and an unlocking region that enables easy release. This segmentation allows the stud to be held securely during normal use while permitting non-destructive removal by moving the stud into the unlocking region, resolving the contradiction between strong retention and damage-free removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking region acts as an intermediary mechanism between the high-retention fastening region and the removal state. By providing a dedicated unlocking region with reduced retention characteristics, the system enables transition from secure attachment to easy removal without requiring forceful overcoming of the retention means, thus preventing damage while maintaining high retention during operation.
2Reliability
If additional means such as umbrella-like washers and sealing rings are provided to seal openings, then the sealing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening clip integrates multiple functions into a single component. The base part with the opening serves both as the fastening mechanism and as the sealing interface. By merging the fastening function and sealing function into one integrated structure, the need for separate umbrella-like washers and sealing rings is eliminated, reducing component count while maintaining reliable sealing capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fastening element is made as a one-piece structure, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to compensate for dimensional deviations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the base part is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to dimensional variations. The resilient retaining means within the opening can deform elastically to accommodate studs with slight dimensional deviations, providing a degree of flexibility and adaptability while maintaining the overall one-piece simple structure for easy manufacturing.
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
Enables easy installation and high retention force without tool assistance, non-destructive separation, and compensation for dimensional deviations, reducing the risk of damage during release and allowing for reusability of the fastening clip.
Implementation Method 1
resilient retaining means for holding the stud in place are arranged in the fastening region, which means are designed such that the stud can be introduced into the fastening region in the direction of the axis and the stud located in the fastening region can be displaced into the unlocking region by a relative movement of the stud and fastening clip perpendicular to the axis of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening clip for attaching a component to a stud of a support part has a base part with an opening for accepting the stud. The opening has an axis and has a fastening region and an unlocking region located next to one another perpendicular to the axis. Resilient retaining means for holding the stud in place are arranged in the fastening region, which means are designed such that the stud can be introduced into the fastening region in the direction of the axis and the stud located in the fastening region can be displaced into the unlocking region by a relative movement of the stud and fastening clip perpendicular to the axis of the opening, wherein in the unlocking region the stud can be removed from the opening.