Modular Retention Clip With Integrated Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retention clips for mounting cables, wires, tubes, or pipes to a vehicle frame are costly due to the need for multiple molding steps and assembly processes, particularly when incorporating vibration-absorbing materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular retention clip design featuring a clamping body with first and second body portions made of a rigid material, isolated by resilient material isolation portions, and mounted to a bracket using deformable mounting pins, which can be efficiently manufactured in a two-shot molding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration absorbing material is mounted as a separate part in the body portion, then vibration damping is improved, but part count and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration absorbing material is integrated directly into the body portion of the retention clip as a unitary structure, eliminating the need for separate vibration damping components. The material is formed as part of the injection molding process, combining the structural body and vibration damping function into a single piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion is constructed from a composite material that inherently provides vibration damping properties. The material combines rigidity for structural support with vibration-absorbing characteristics, eliminating the need for separate damping materials while maintaining both structural integrity and vibration protection.
2Manufacturing precision
If two-shot molding process is used to manufacture retention clips with integral brackets, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip system is divided into separate functional components: the retention body (with vibration damping) and the bracket. These components are manufactured separately using cost-effective processes and then assembled together, avoiding the need for complex multi-shot molding while maintaining manufacturing precision through dedicated assembly features.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention body is designed as a universal component that can be mounted to various bracket configurations through standardized mounting features. This modularity allows the same retention body to work with different brackets, reducing the number of unique molded parts needed and lowering overall manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple molding steps are used for different bracket configurations, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention body incorporates universal mounting features that enable it to be adapted to various bracket configurations without requiring different molded parts. The standardized mounting interface allows the same retention body to work with multiple bracket types, significantly reducing the number of molding steps required while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system allows for flexible configuration through adjustable mounting pin positions and versatile bracket designs. This dynamic adaptability enables the same basic retention body to serve multiple mounting configurations, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining design flexibility.
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 modular retention clip effectively dampens vibrations and reduces manufacturing costs by simplifying the production process and eliminating the need for separate vibration-absorbing components.
Implementation Method 1
isolation portions comprised of a resilient material are attached to each of the first and second body portions. The isolation portions frictionally contact and retain the elongated articles in the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
The isolation portions frictionally contact and retain the elongated articles in the engaged position
Implementation Method 3
The mounting pin is arranged to be accepted in a first hole in a bracket and the mounting pin physically altered to fix the clamping body to the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A modular retention clip for retaining elongated articles to a structure includes a clamping body having first and second body portions of a first rigid material positionable between an open position and an engaged position. Isolation portions of a second resilient material are attached to the first and second body portions that contact and retain the elongated articles in the engaged position. A living hinge integrally connects the first and the second body portions and a latching member is arranged to be captured within a receiving cavity retaining the first and second body portions together. At least one mounting pin extends from the second body portion. A bracket having a receiving portion and a mounting portion has at least one hole in the receiving portion that accepts the mounting pin to fix the clamping body to the bracket. The bracket mounting portion attaches the bracket to the structure.