Flexible V-Leg Clip Structure for Inclined Panel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clips for attaching automobile interior parts to instrument panels experience a significant reduction in retention force when the clip is inclined relative to the panel, leading to unreliable attachment of the center cluster.
Innovation Solution
The clip design includes a pair of V-shaped outer legs and inner legs connected via connecting members, allowing the outer legs to flex relative to each other in the front-back direction, thereby maintaining engagement with the attaching hole even when the clip is inclined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the outer legs are rigidly connected via head connecting member, then the clip maintains structural stability, but the retention force significantly reduces when the clip is inclined relative to the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The head connecting member is designed with flexibility to allow dynamic adjustment. Specifically, the head connecting member can elastically deform in the front-back direction when the clip is inserted at an angle, enabling the outer legs to flex relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the engagement portions to maintain proper engagement with the attaching hole even when the clip is inclined, thereby preserving retention force while accommodating angular misalignment during installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clip is designed with flexible outer legs, then the engagement positions can move along the periphery of the attaching hole, but the structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexibility is localized specifically to the head connecting member region, while the outer legs themselves maintain their rigidity. The head connecting member is designed with controlled flexibility in the front-back direction to allow engagement adjustment, but this flexibility is confined to a specific location rather than being distributed throughout the entire clip structure. This localized flexibility enables engagement adaptability while preserving overall structural stability.
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
This configuration ensures that the engagement positions of the engagement portions with the attaching hole can move or slide along the periphery while elastically deforming, maintaining the engagement forces and retention force of the clip, even in inclined use conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the outer legs are allowed to flex relative to each other in the front-back direction... elastically deforming, maintaining the engagement forces
Data Source
AI summary
A clip may include a clip main body. The clip main body is configured to be coupled to a coupling portion of an attachment base formed in an attaching article and is configured to be inserted into an attaching hole formed in the object member. The clip main body includes a pair of substantially V-shaped outer legs oppositely positioned in a front-back direction and having head portions and first and second proximal end portions, a pair of inner legs positioned between the pair of outer legs and having head portions and proximal end portions, and a pair of connecting members. The first and second proximal end portions of the outer legs are respectively connected to each other via the connecting members in the front-back direction in such a manner that the outer legs are allowed to flex in the front-back direction. The outer legs respectively include engagement portions configured to engage the attaching hole of the object member.