Hook Retention Clip With Resilient Lip for Seat Frame Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hooks used in lumbar adjustment systems for vehicle seats can unintentionally dislodge from the support frame due to jostling or loosening, necessitating improved retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assembly comprising a hook with a loop and transition portion, and a hook retention clip with a resilient lip that reduces the main opening to a smaller effective opening, ensuring secure coupling via snap or press fit, and optionally using a living hinge for adjustable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hook structure is used for lumbar adjustment systems, then manufacturing cost and structural simplicity are improved, but the hook may become unintentionally dislodged from the frame due to jostling or loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The hook assembly is divided into two separate components: the hook itself and a retention clip. The retention clip is a separate piece that attaches to the hook and provides the retention function, preventing the hook from dislodging while maintaining the simplicity of the original hook structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip fits over the hook in a nested configuration, where the clip encompasses the hook's extension portion and positioning features. This nested arrangement allows the retention function to be added without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity of the assembly.
2Reliability
If a retention mechanism is added to prevent hook dislodgment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip incorporates resilient lips that automatically engage with the frame and positioning features on the hook. The resilient nature of the lips allows them to self-adjust and maintain constant contact pressure, providing automatic retention without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip uses resilient materials and spring-like structures that change their physical parameters (elastic deformation, contact pressure) to maintain reliable engagement. The resilient lips can deflect and adapt to slight variations in positioning while maintaining sufficient friction and normal force to prevent dislodgment.
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 effectively inhibits unintentional dislodgment of the hook from the substrate, providing secure and reliable attachment to the seat frame, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient lip diverging from the axis and configured to extend toward a loop end of the hook when the hook retention clip is coupled to the hook
Implementation Method 2
the hook retention clip is configured to be coupled to the hook via a snap fit
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment assembly comprises a hook and a hook retention clip. The hook includes an extension portion defining a hook axis, a loop portion having a loop end, and a transition portion. A recess is defined within the loop portion, and a main opening to the recess is defined between the loop end and the transition portion. The hook retention clip is configured to be coupled to the hook. The hook retention clip includes an extension mating portion defining a retention clip axis and a lip extending at an angle away from the retention clip axis. The lip has a lip tip. When the hook retention clip is coupled to the hook, the retention clip axis and the hook axis are coaxial and an effective opening to the recess is defined between the lip tip and the loop end, and the effective opening is smaller than the main opening.