Flexible Hinge Clip for Bumper Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle bumpers face challenges in integrating the clip between the attaching member and the attached member due to differing axial directions of screw engagement, leading to dimension errors and increased assembly steps, while also requiring additional components.
Innovation Solution
A clip with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, where the engagement directions differ by about 90 degrees, coupled by a flexible hinge, utilizing grommets as engagement means to absorb dimension errors and reduce component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clip is interposed between the attaching member and the attached member in the side portion, then the assembly can be performed when the hole cannot be made in the front surface, but the engagement portions differ in axial direction causing integration difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that are separated by the hinge portion, allowing each portion to independently engage with components in different axial directions while maintaining overall functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge portion provides flexibility and movement capability between the first and second engaging portions, enabling the clip to adapt to dimensional errors and alignment variations while maintaining secure engagement
2Device complexity
If the hinge portion is provided to decrease the number of components, then the assembly work is facilitated, but dimension errors among components cannot be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge portion is designed with flexible material or structure that allows it to bend and absorb dimensional variations between components during assembly, maintaining proper engagement while accommodating manufacturing tolerances
3Adaptability or versatility
If the engagement directions of the first and second engaging portions differ, then the clip can attach components in different orientations, but the coupling means must have flexibility increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge portion is designed as a flexible coupling mechanism that enables angular adjustment between the first and second engaging portions, allowing them to engage components in different orientations while maintaining structural integrity
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 clip effectively disperses stress, reduces assembly steps, and maintains waterproof properties by absorbing dimension variations and reducing the number of components needed, while ensuring secure attachment of the bumper to the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
coupling means for coupling the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, the coupling means having flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
A clip, which retains and fixes an attaching member and an attached member while being provided between the attaching member and the attached member, includes a first engaging portion, a second engaging portion, and a coupling device for coupling the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. In the first engaging portion, plural first engagement devices are provided in order to attach the clip to the attached member. For example, a second engagement device is provided in the second engaging portion. In the second engagement device, an engagement direction of a plane differs from that of the first engaging portion, and an axis-line direction of the second engagement device differs from that of the first engaging portion. The attaching member and the attached member are simultaneously attached to the second engagement device. The coupling device couples the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion so as to be able to be bent and twisted between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.