Guide-Groove Clip Structure for Easy Fixing State Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clips require inefficient and cumbersome operations to change from permanent fixing to temporary fixing conditions, with limited tolerance for attachment hole diameters and plate thicknesses, especially when multiple plates are involved, leading to operational inefficiencies and difficulties in narrow spaces.
Innovation Solution
The clip design incorporates a pin with a guide groove system that allows for smooth transition between temporary and permanent fixing conditions through linear and rotational movements, enhancing the engagement mechanism by forming guide grooves on the pin and grommet to facilitate easy conversion and increased tolerance for plate thickness and hole diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pin is pulled out by inserting a tool into the space between the head portion and flange portion, then the permanent fixing condition can be changed to temporary fixing condition, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient requiring tool manipulation in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The pin structure enables self-service functionality where the pin itself provides the means for conversion between fixing conditions. The groove formed on the pin's outer peripheral surface allows direct manipulation of the pin to transition from permanent to temporary fixing condition without requiring separate tools or complex operations in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is segmented into functional zones: the groove portion for manipulation, the first engaged portion for temporary fixing, and the second engaged portion for permanent fixing. This segmentation allows different operational modes to be accessed by manipulating different portions of the pin structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the engaging portions are formed at the ends of leg portions, then the structure is simple, but the tolerance for opening diameter and plate thickness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure transitions from a two-dimensional end-face engagement to a three-dimensional circumferential engagement. The groove wrapped around the pin's outer peripheral surface creates a circumferential engagement path that accommodates variations in opening diameter and plate thickness, providing greater dimensional tolerance
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 design enables quick and secure conversion between fixing conditions without the need for complex tool manipulation, maintaining stability and reducing the risk of misalignment, while providing a larger tolerance for plate thickness and hole diameters, thus improving operational efficiency and usability in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent fixing condition where the engaging portion is engaged with the second engaged portion after the leg portion is elastically enlarged by further insertion of the shaft portion
Implementation Method 2
the pin includes a guide groove formed between the first engaged portion of the shaft portion and the second engaged portion and guiding movement of the pin in a condition of slidably engaging the engaging portion
Data Source
AI summary
The clip includes a head part, a shaft part, a pin having first and second engaged parts at the shaft part, and a grommet having a flange part with an insertion hole, a leg part, and an engaging part engaging with/disengaging from the engaged part. The pin has the engaging part near the inner periphery of the insertion hole of the flange part. The pin has guide grooves between the first and second engaged parts to guide the movement of the pin while movably engaging the engaging part. Switching between a temporary fixing state and a permanent fixing state is conducted through movement of the shaft part associated with guiding by the guide grooves. When the pin in the permanent fixing state is rotated and moved in the pull-up direction associated with guiding by the guide grooves, engagement between the engaging part and the second engaged part is released.