Motor Vehicle Sensor Mounting Device with Pivoting Clip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for motor vehicle sensors complicate assembly and replacement, and do not provide a secure hold against forces like weight and vibration.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device featuring clips on both sides of the holder with hook-shaped projections and a pivoting securing element that locks onto the clips, ensuring secure retention and easy assembly/disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clips are arranged on both sides of the component with hook-shaped projections, then the component is securely held against forces like weight and vibration, but the assembly and disassembly become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure hold of componentVSAvoidfastening device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is segmented into multiple independent clips (at least two clips arranged at different locations) that can be engaged separately. Each clip has its own hook-shaped projection that engages with the component, distributing the securing function across multiple simple elements rather than one complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element is designed to be removable, allowing the clips to be engaged and disengaged in sequence. By inverting the traditional approach where the main body is fixed and accessories are attached, this design allows the securing element itself to be the movable component that can be easily removed to release the clips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a securing element with pivotable bar is used to latch onto clips, then easy assembly and replacement is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly and replacementVSAvoidsecuring element mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element incorporates a pivotable bar that can rotate between a closed position (where it latches onto the clips) and an open position (where it releases the clips). This dynamic movement allows a single securing element to control multiple clips simultaneously, simplifying the operation to one pivoting action rather than manipulating each clip individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element serves multiple functions: it simultaneously engages with multiple clips, provides a latch mechanism, and enables easy release. The pivotable bar design allows one component to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate fastening mechanisms, reducing the overall number of parts and operations needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If clips laterally overlap the component with hook-shaped projections, then secure retention is achieved, but the component replacement becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent retentionVSAvoidcomponent replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism is divided into separate clips that can be independently engaged and disengaged. Each clip with its hook-shaped projection provides localized lateral overlap and retention, but the segmented design allows any single clip to be released by moving the securing element, making replacement straightforward despite the lateral overlap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clips are pre-positioned on opposite sides of the component with their hook-shaped projections oriented to engage with the component's features. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the securing element is in the closed position, the clips are already in the correct position to provide secure lateral retention, eliminating the need for alignment adjustments during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution allows for effortless assembly and replacement of components while providing a secure hold against various forces, ensuring the sensor is firmly clamped in the holder.

Implementation Method 1

a pivoting securing element that locks onto the clips

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

clips laterally overlap the component with hook-shaped projections formed on the ends

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

bears against the component and can be pivoted via a pivot axis of the joint into the securing position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2546615B1Mounting device for a component of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.12.03 FAURECIA EXTERIORS GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The device has clips (3, 4) arranged on two sides of a component (12) and an edge of a holder (2) as fastening elements, where the component is arranged in the holder. The clips are laterally engaged with end sides of hook-shaped projections of the component. A fixing element (16) i.e. tongue-shaped latch, is connected with one of the clips. The fixing element is pivotable around a pivotal axis of a joint from an opening position (I) to a fixing position and lockable with the other clip.