Flexible Strip Clip for Reliable Through-Hole Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attaching structures for members require complex shapes and projections, making them difficult to attach and fix reliably with simple operations.
Innovation Solution
A clip with U-shaped clamping pieces, featuring an omega-shaped insertion part and rib structures that flex to securely engage with a through hole, allowing easy and reliable attachment of a member to a fixed member without complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If projections with specific shapes are provided on both members to be attached, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the shapes of the members become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion part is segmented into a pair of strip members that can be flexed independently. Each strip member has a smaller width portion and a larger width portion separated by a stepped portion, allowing them to be inserted through the through hole separately while maintaining structural integrity through integral connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The strip members are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to deform during insertion and locking. The strip members can be flexed in the direction approaching to each other to pass through the through hole, and then return to their original state to lock the insertion part in place.
2Reliability
If complex projections are provided on both members for attachment, then secure fixing is achieved, but the operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The strip members automatically flex and lock into place through their own elastic deformation when the insertion part is pushed into the through hole. The stepped portions of the strip members engage with the through hole edges to provide locking without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex operations.
3Ease of operation
If simple structures are used for attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but attachment reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The strip members function as flexible elements that can deform to pass through the through hole and then return to their original shape to create a secure lock. This flexibility allows the simple insertion operation to achieve reliable fixation through the elastic recovery of the strip members.
Solution Approach 2:
The width of the strip members varies along their length, with a smaller width portion for insertion and a larger width portion for locking. This parameter change allows the same element to perform both insertion and locking functions, maintaining simplicity while ensuring 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
Enables easy and reliable fixation of members with simple structures, facilitating attachment even in narrow spaces by using flexible strip members that deform to lock into place.
Implementation Method 1
the strip members which are separately provided in an opposing state and connected at tip ends thereof in an inserting direction so as to be flexed in a direction approaching to each other... the strip members are allowed to be deformed in a direction separating from each other to return to an original state, whereby the stepped portions are locked
Data Source
AI summary
A clip includes first and second clamping pieces provided to clamp a member to be fixed. The first clamping piece includes an insertion part to be inserted into a thorough hole of a fixed member. The insertion part includes a pair of strip member, each including a smaller width portion, a larger width portion and a stepped portion provided therebetween. In a course of the insertion part being inserted into the through hole, the larger width portions of the strip members pass the through hole while the strip members are flexed in the direction approaching to each other, and subsequently when the smaller width portions are inserted into the through hole, the strip members are allowed to be deformed in a direction separating from each other to return to an original state, whereby the stepped portions are locked to a region to be locked in the fixed member.