Interlocking Clip Fastener for High-Temperature Component Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for securing components during high-temperature processes, such as thermal spraying, fail to reliably retain the components due to thermal expansion and deformation, leading to potential damage and increased costs from component replacement.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system comprising an outer clip and an inner clip that interlock to secure clamshell halves of a mounting tool, allowing for thermal expansion to enhance retention and enabling reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing fastening systems are used to secure components during high-temperature processes, then the components can be retained in place, but thermal expansion and deformation cause the fastening to fail, leading to component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention reliabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system changes its physical parameters in response to temperature changes. The clip's dimensional parameters are designed to change with thermal expansion, transforming the harmful thermal effect into a beneficial tightening force that enhances retention reliability during high-temperature processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of thermal expansion into a beneficial force. As temperature increases and the clip expands, the expansion generates increased clamping force on the component, transforming what would normally be a destabilizing factor into a mechanism that strengthens the fastening and improves retention reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If existing fastening systems are used, then components can be secured, but deformation at high temperatures causes fastening failure and increased replacement costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidfastening strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is designed with parameters that change favorably under thermal conditions. The clip's material and geometric parameters are selected so that thermal expansion increases the contact pressure and clamping force, thereby maintaining or enhancing fastening strength rather than causing deformation and failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the potentially harmful thermal deformation into a beneficial strengthening mechanism. The thermal expansion of the clip material and structure generates increased mechanical pressure on the component, converting thermal energy into enhanced fastening strength and preventing the deformation-induced failures that plague conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If conventional fastening methods are used, then components can be retained, but thermal effects cause deformation and component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent retentionVSAvoidthermal deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful thermal deformation effect into a beneficial tightening mechanism. The clip is designed so that thermal expansion during the high-temperature process increases the clamping force on the component, preventing loosening and damage while transforming the thermal hazard into a protective strengthening effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system's geometric and material parameters are specifically designed to change in response to temperature variations. The clip's dimensions and material properties are selected to ensure that thermal expansion produces increased contact pressure and improved retention, rather than deformation and failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides reliable retention of components during high-temperature processes, minimizing damage and enabling cost-effective reuse by withstanding extreme temperatures and maintaining secure fastening.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for thermal expansion to enhance retention

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20260102880A1Fastening System for Securing a Component to a Mounting Device for a High-Temperature Process

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 CHROMALLOY GAS TURBINE LLC

AI summary

A fastening system for securing a mounting tool configured to retain a component that is to undergo a high-temperature process. The mounting tool has a first portion having a first tab with a first slot and a second portion having a second tab with a second slot. The fastening system comprises an outer clip including outer clip arms and a central portion. The outer clip arms have a gap therebetween. The central portion protrudes into the gap. The fastening system includes an inner clip including inner clip arms. The inner clip is pushed into the gap such that each inner clip arm contacts and pushes one outer clip arm towards the first tab and the second tab. When the fastening system is inserted into the first slot and the second slot, the fastening system limits relative movement between the first tab and the second tab.