Immersion Clamp with Resilient Latching Tongues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding add-on parts on carrier parts do not allow for easy removal without tools, limiting the reuse and reconfiguration of the components.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a U-shaped immersion clamp with resilient latching tongues and a plug-in part that allows the add-on part to be stably held in an assembly position and easily removed from the carrier part by overcoming a resistance, enabling the reuse of the immersion clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plunge-in clamp with snap-in tongues is used to hold an add-on part on a carrier part, then the add-on part is held stably in an assembly position, but the add-on part cannot be removed easily without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with resilient latching tongues that can dynamically change their engagement state. The tongues are spring-loaded to automatically engage with the carrier part when the plug-in part is inserted, providing stable holding. During removal, the tongues can be pushed back against their spring force to disengage, enabling easy removal without tools. This dynamic behavior allows the same clamp to provide both strong retention during use and easy release during removal.
2Reliability
If the add-on part is firmly fixed on the carrier part, then the connection is reliable, but the immersion clamp becomes inaccessible for removal and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into three independent components: the immersion clamp, the plug-in part, and the carrier part. The clamp remains on the carrier part after add-on part removal, while the plug-in part (attached to the add-on part) is completely separated. This segmentation allows the clamp to be reused multiple times on the same or different carrier parts, enhancing adaptability and reducing waste.
3Ease of operation
If a resilient latching mechanism is used to enable easy removal, then tool-free removal is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is self-actuating through spring force. The resilient tongues automatically engage with the carrier part when the plug-in part is inserted, requiring no additional fastening steps. During removal, simply pushing the plug-in part away from the clamp automatically pushes the tongues against their spring force, causing automatic disengagement. This self-service mechanism achieves tool-free operation without requiring complex control systems or multiple components.
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
Enables the stable holding and easy removal of add-on parts from carrier parts, allowing for the reuse of the immersion clamp and plug-in part, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of component assembly and disassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The clip legs (2, 3) each have a resilient latching tongue (7)
Implementation Method 2
after overcoming a resistance and after the insertion part has been released, it can be removed from the carrier part
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A device for holding an add-on part on a support part in an assembly position and in a pull-out position has an insertion clip (1) and a plug-in part (22). In an assembly position of the add-on part on the support part, the plug-in part (22) is in engagement with the insertion clip (1) whereas, after the add-on part has been spaced apart from the support part, the plug-in part (22) can be disengaged from the insertion clip (1) by displacement in the direction of a foot end (4) of the insertion clip (1) and can be removed together with the add-on part, which is connected to the plug-in part (22), from the insertion clip (1) which remains in the support part.