Vehicle Module Clip Structure for Low-Force 45° Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional module clips require strong forces for assembly and disassembly, are prone to damage when disassembled, and can be compromised by manufacturing deviations, leading to increased assembly and disassembly forces.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle module clip design featuring obliquely bent hooks with reduced angle and width, supported by elastic arms and soft grooves, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly using a small force without damage, even at a 45° angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If two hooks are deformed due to elastic support and fitted into a coupling hole, then the module clip can be firmly fixed to a member, but a great insertion force is required to deform the hooks during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is segmented into three distinct portions: a support arm portion for structural support, an elastic arm portion for deformable engagement, and a hooking portion for securing. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally - the support arm provides rigidity, the elastic arm provides controlled deformation, and the hooking portion provides secure engagement, thereby reducing the overall insertion force needed while maintaining fixing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the hook have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. The support arm portion has higher rigidity for stability, while the elastic arm portion has lower rigidity for easy deformation. This local differentiation of material properties allows the hook to be strong where needed and flexible where required, reducing the force needed for assembly while maintaining secure fixation.
2Ease of operation
If a strong force is applied to assemble and disassemble members using the module clip, then the members can be coupled and separated, but the members or module clip may be torn or severely deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm portion is designed to dynamically deform during assembly and disassembly operations. This dynamic flexibility allows the hook to adapt to slight misalignments and manufacturing deviations without requiring excessive force, thereby preventing damage to the members or the clip itself while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the hook is varied along its length, with the elastic arm portion having lower rigidity than the support arm portion. This parameter change allows the structure to be rigid enough for secure fixation while being flexible enough to deform easily during assembly and disassembly, preventing damage without requiring excessive force.
3Productivity
If manufacturing deviations occur during thermal or machining processes, then production efficiency is improved, but the module clip requires stronger assembly and disassembly forces
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arm portion is specifically designed with lower rigidity to compensate for manufacturing deviations. This local structural adjustment allows the hook to accommodate variations in coupling hole dimensions and positions resulting from thermal or machining processes, maintaining easy assembly and disassembly despite improved production efficiency and associated tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity parameter of the elastic arm portion is deliberately reduced to create a tolerance buffer against manufacturing deviations. This parameter change allows the clip to function effectively even when coupling holes have slight dimensional variations from efficient high-volume manufacturing processes, preventing the need for excessive assembly forces.
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 module clip can be assembled and disassembled using reduced forces, preventing damage and maintaining functionality, while accommodating manufacturing deviations by utilizing two elastic arms and soft grooves for flexible deformation.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic arms which are formed by cutting central portions of the support arms to be unfolded outward from the flanges
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to providing a vehicle module clip, in which two elastic arms are formed by cutting portions of supporting arms constituting two facing hooks formed on both sides of a base, soft holes are formed in flanges for supporting the elastic arms to allow the elastic arms to be easily deformed so that not only the vehicle module clip can be easily assembled using a small force but a force required to disassembly the module clip at an angle of 45° can also be reduced, and thus the members and the module can be easily disassembled using a small force without damage.