Plastic Fluid Line Clip With Rivet Lock for Tool-Free Vehicle Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching longitudinal elements like fluid lines to perforated sheet parts of vehicles, such as metallic brackets with screws, are cumbersome and require tools in confined spaces, and there is a need for a more efficient and tool-free attachment solution.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled plastic clip with a plastic rivet protrusion that engages a threaded hole in the sheet part, replacing the metallic bracket and screw, providing axial and radial resistance, and is designed for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a metallic bracket with screw and washer is used to attach the fluid line, then the attachment strength is sufficient, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and requires tools in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (bracket, fastener, washer) into a single integrated plastic clip assembly. The plastic clip includes a base portion with rivet protrusion, a lid portion, and a jacket portion that collectively perform the functions of separate components, eliminating the need for multiple parts and tools during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic clip assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the base portion and lid portion clamp the fluid line, the rivet protrusion engages the threaded hole for attachment, and the jacket portion provides cushioning and electrical insulation. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate bracket, fastener, and washer components
2Ease of operation
If a plastic clip with rivet protrusion is used instead of metallic bracket and screw, then the assembly becomes tool-free and simpler, but the attachment strength must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic clip assembly uses composite material construction with a rigid plastic base and lid portions for structural strength, combined with a rubber or thermoplastic elastomer jacket portion for cushioning and grip. This composite structure maintains attachment strength while enabling tool-free assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet protrusion is designed with a curved engagement surface that fits into the threaded hole, creating a mechanically interlocking connection. The curved geometry of the rivet protrusion and corresponding hole shape provides resistance to pull-out forces and maintains attachment strength without requiring additional fastening tools
3Strength
If the rivet protrusion engages the threaded hole deeply, then the axial and radial resistance increases, but the insertion force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet protrusion is pre-formed with a specific geometry including a reduced-diameter section that acts as a lead-in feature. This preliminary geometric design guides the protrusion into the threaded hole and reduces the insertion force required, while still achieving deep engagement for high resistance forces
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Plastic clip (20) for attaching a longitudinal element (12), particularly a fluid line, to a perforated sheet part (10), particularly a body part of a vehicle, comprising a base portion (22) and a lid portion (24) connectable or hingedly connected to the base portion (22) so as to establish an open configuration or a closed configuration, wherein the base portion (22) has a semi-circular base receptacle (26) for the longitudinal element (12), wherein the lid portion (24) has a semi-circular lid receptacle (28) for the longitudinal element (12), wherein the base receptacle (26) and the lid receptacle (28), in the closed configuration, together form a circular holding portion (34) for the longitudinal element (12), wherein at least one of the base receptacle (26) and the lid receptacle (28) is provided with a jacket portion (30, 32) which is made from a material that is softer than the material of the respective receptacle (26, 28), wherein the base portion (22) comprises a support portion (60) from which projects a plastic rivet protrusion (64) adapted to be inserted into a hole (14) of the perforated sheet part (10).