Flexible-Arm Metal Clip for Wind-Resistant Planar Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clips for holding planar elements, such as photovoltaic module frames and supporting structure rails, have low mechanical resistance and can break under stress, particularly from wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A robust metal staple with angled walls, complementary end patterns, locking tabs, and flexible arms that provide enhanced holding force and resistance to sliding, formed from a single metal strip with grooves and claws for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a U-shaped metal clip with two main wings is used to hold two planar elements, then the clip can be easily manufactured and installed, but the mechanical resistance is low and the main wings can break under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into multiple functional segments: two side walls with grooves for insertion, flexible arms with claws for penetrating and anchoring into the planar elements, and locking tabs at the ends for securing the structure. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while distributing stress across multiple components rather than concentrating it in single main wings.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arms are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to bend during installation and under load. This dynamic property enables the arms to absorb stress through elastic deformation rather than brittle failure, significantly improving the mechanical resistance of the clip while maintaining ease of installation through simple insertion.
2Ease of operation
If the clip structure is simplified for easy installation, then manufacturing is easier, but the resistance to sliding and separation forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arms with claws are pre-configured to penetrate into the planar elements during the insertion process itself. The grooves in the side walls guide the arms into proper position, and as the clip is inserted, the arms automatically penetrate and anchor into the elements, creating preliminary mechanical interlocking before any additional fastening is required. This preliminary action ensures resistance to sliding without complicating the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible arms are designed as thin, elastically deformable elements that can bend and penetrate into the planar elements. These flexible components provide reliable mechanical interlocking through their ability to deform and lock into place, while maintaining a simple overall clip structure that is easy to install by simple insertion without requiring additional tools or complex assembly steps.
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 staple effectively secures photovoltaic modules to supporting structures with increased mechanical resistance and stability, preventing separation under stress while maintaining electrical contact through scratch formation.
Implementation Method 1
The U-shaped metal clip consists of two main wings, defining a housing into which the assembly formed by the two planar elements can be inserted. This insertion leads to the elastic deformation of the clip and to the application, via the two main wings, of forces for holding the two planar elements together.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention concerns a clip (1) for holding two planar elements assembled together at the main face of same, the clip comprising at least two side walls each provided with an open groove (3a, 3b) configured to allow the clip (1) to be inserted onto the two assembled planar elements and to hold them against each other. At least one of the side walls is provided with a slot (12a, 12b) opening into the groove (3a, 3b) and defining a flexible arm (13a, 13b) secured to the rest of the wall by means of a bending area (14a, 14b). The free end of the flexible arm (13a, 13b) carries a stop (15a, 15b) that at least partially closes the groove (3a, 3b).