Hidden Snap-Lock Clip for Vehicle Cover Panel Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for connecting cover panels to vehicle bodies are bulky and visible, failing to provide a smooth visual appearance and are not designed for hidden fixation in space-constrained areas.
Innovation Solution
A compact clip with radially extending leg portions and an annular inner portion of shorter axial extension, allowing for snap-locking of cover panels and accommodating fastening means without increasing height, along with a fastening arrangement that includes a shoulder portion to manage tolerance and temperature-related expansions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional fastener is used to connect cover panel to vehicle body, then the fastening function is achieved, but the fastener is bulky and visible, failing to provide smooth visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means is nested within the clip structure, with the head portion positioned within the space defined by the axially extending leg portions around the annular inner portion. The clip itself is nested between the cover panel and the vehicle body, creating a hierarchical nesting arrangement that hides the fastening components and provides a smooth visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional protruding fastener design to a hidden fastening system by utilizing the space between the cover panel and vehicle body in the axial dimension. The clip's leg portions extend radially to engage the cover panel while the fastening means is concealed in the axial direction, effectively using dimensional repositioning to achieve hidden fixation.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional fastener is used, then the fastening function is achieved, but the fastener is not designed for hidden fixation in space-constrained areas
Solution Approach 1:
The leg portions are designed to flex radially inwardly when subjected to pressing force and snap radially outwardly when the pressing force ceases. This dynamic behavior allows the clip to adapt to space constraints during installation, enabling the cover panel to be pressed onto the clip and become snapped into place, achieving hidden fixation in space-constrained areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip structure changes its radial dimension dynamically - the leg portions can flex inward to reduce radial extent during installation, then snap outward to provide secure engagement. This parameter change enables the fastening system to function in limited space while still providing robust hidden fixation.
3Volume of moving object
If the axial extension of the annular inner portion is made shorter, then the clip becomes more compact and can accommodate fastening means, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is segmented into distinct functional portions: the annular inner portion for mounting and the radially extending leg portions for snap-locking. This segmentation allows the annular inner portion to be compact axially while the leg portions provide the necessary structural strength for engagement, with each segment optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural strength function is moved from the axial dimension to the radial dimension. The leg portions extend radially to provide engagement strength and structural integrity, while the annular inner portion remains compact in the axial direction. This dimensional redistribution allows compactness without sacrificing strength.
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 solution provides a hidden, compact, and secure fastening system that allows for a smooth visual appearance by ensuring the fasteners are concealed between the cover panel and the vehicle body, while maintaining robustness and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
the leg portion is configured to flex radially inwardly towards the annular inner portion when the initial contact surface is subjected to a pressing force in a direction parallel to said second axial direction, and to snap radially outwardly when said pressing force on the initial contact surface has ceased
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a clip for connecting a cover panel to a vehicle body. The clip comprises an annular inner portion defining a central through hole for receiving a fastening means for securing the clip to the vehicle body. The clip also comprises a plurality of leg portions for snap-locking a cover panel to be mounted to the vehicle body. The leg portions extend radially from the annular inner portion and are circumferentially distributed and separated from each other by void spaces. Each leg portion has an initial contact surface. Each leg portion is configured to flex radially inwardly towards the annular inner portion when the initial contact surface is subjected to a pressing force, and to snap radially outwardly when said pressing force on the initial contact surface as ceased. The axial extension of the annular inner portion is shorter than the axial extension of the leg portions.