Modular Edge Clip Assembly for Variable Edge Thickness

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge clips require individual development and production for different object thicknesses and fastening element positions, leading to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing effort.

Innovation Solution

A modular edge clip system with interchangeable modules featuring latching connection elements, allowing for flexible adaptation to various applications by combining different module types via standardized mechanical interfaces, including latching claws and retaining elements made from plastic and metal, which can be easily assembled and adjusted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individually developed and produced edge clips are used for different object thicknesses and fastening element positions, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the manufacturing effort and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge clip is divided into separate functional modules: a U-shaped metal clamp module with latching claws for securing to the edge, and a plastic module with retaining elements for fastening the fastening element. These modules can be combined in different configurations to address various fastening requirements without redesigning the entire clip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal clamp module serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, enables latching to edges of varying thicknesses through adjustable claw positions, and supports different plastic module attachments. This universal base module reduces the need for individually developed clips for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If individually developed and produced edge clips are used for different object thicknesses and fastening element positions, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the manufacturing effort and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The edge clip is divided into separate functional modules: a U-shaped metal clamp module with latching claws for securing to the edge, and a plastic module with retaining elements for fastening the fastening element. These modules can be combined in different configurations to address various fastening requirements without redesigning the entire clip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal clamp module incorporates adjustable parameters such as latching claw positions and gap dimensions that can be modified to accommodate different object thicknesses. This allows a single base module design to be adapted to various applications through parameter adjustment rather than complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a modular edge clip system with interchangeable modules is used, then the adaptability to different applications is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge clip is divided into separate functional modules: a U-shaped metal clamp module with latching claws for securing to the edge, and a plastic module with retaining elements for fastening the fastening element. These modules can be combined in different configurations to address various fastening requirements without redesigning the entire clip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic module acts as an intermediary component that bridges the metal clamp module and the fastening element (such as a cable tie). This intermediary module simplifies the overall system by providing a standardized interface between the clamping mechanism and the article to be fastened, reducing the complexity of direct customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12000429B2Modular edge clip

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 HELLERMANN TYTON GMBH

AI summary

Disclosed are apparatuses and techniques relating to modular edge clips for fastening a fastening element to an edge of an object. In an aspect, a modular edge clip includes first and second edge clip modules. The edge clip modules include retaining elements and latching connection elements. The respective latching elements having latching claws which, in collaboration with the other edge clip module serve as a counter-bearing, are designed to latch the modular edge clip onto the edge. The latching connection elements for connecting the respective edge clip modules to one another by way of a latching connection. The edge clip modules, in a state connected by the latching connection elements, form a gap between the respective latching elements, into which the edge of the object can be inserted in an insertion direction in order to fasten the edge clip to the edge.