Two-Part Interlocking Clip Assembly for High Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snapping clips in the automotive industry face a trade-off between ease of installation and retention force, often requiring high installation force for adequate retention, and are prone to flex and removal, with additional solutions like fasteners increasing assembly time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A clip retention assembly with a base, snaps, and a retaining member that includes a cap with second snaps and a core, allowing easy installation by flexing in an unlocked position and locking into place with the core preventing deflection, utilizing a cylindrical body and ring design with retention prongs and barbs to secure the clip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional snapping clip is used to provide retention force, then the clip can hold in place, but the installation force required is also high and ease of installation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into two separate parts: a base portion that remains installed in the aperture and a cap portion that is installed separately. This segmentation allows the base to be pre-positioned with flexible tabs for easy installation, while the cap provides the retention force through its snaps that engage with the base, thus resolving the contradiction between easy installation and high retention force
Solution Approach 2:
The base is prepared in advance with flexible tabs that can be easily inserted into the aperture without requiring high installation force. The retention function is then added by installing the cap with snaps that engage the pre-positioned base, separating the installation action from the retention function
2Ease of operation
If a traditional snapping clip is used, then installation can be performed, but the clip is prone to flex and unintentional removal
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the clip into a base and cap, the design allows the base to remain fixed in the aperture while the cap's snaps provide a locking mechanism that prevents flex and unintentional removal, maintaining both installation capability and reliability
3Strength
If fasteners like screws or rivets are used to increase retention force, then the clip can be held securely, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap's snaps automatically engage with the base's features when the cap is installed, creating a self-locking mechanism that provides secure retention without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures, thus maintaining high productivity
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 low assembly force for easy installation while providing high retention force and preventing clip deflection, reducing the risk of unintentional removal and assembly time, and eliminating the need for additional fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The tabs are flexible to allow easy installation of the base into the aperture
Implementation Method 2
The one or more snaps include a barb to position the surface between the ring and the barb
Data Source
AI summary
The clip retention assembly includes a base for attaching to a surface. The base includes a body, one or more snaps and a retaining member such that the surface is positioned between the one or more snaps and the retaining member to secure the base to the surface. A cap moves on the body from a released position to a retention position. The cap includes a head, a plurality of second snaps for retaining the cap on the base and a core. The core extends through the base body such that in the cap retention position the core is adjacent the base one or more snaps to prevent deflection.