Movable Retaining Arm Clip for Secure Part Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dunnage systems fail to securely hold parts during transport, leading to shifting and potential damage due to loose support, especially in the automotive industry where parts are of varying shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

The development of a clip and dunnage strip system with movable retaining arms that can lock into place, featuring a groove design and resilient materials to securely hold parts on a rack, allowing for efficient loading and unloading while minimizing movement during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional dunnage strips with spaced openings are used to support parts, then parts can be loosely supported within racks, but parts may shift or move during transport causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading partsVSAvoidparts stability during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining arm is designed to be movable between a retracted position (for loading/unloading) and an extended locked position (for securing parts during transport). This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt between ease of operation and reliability modes, resolving the contradiction between easy loading and secure transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the retaining arm from retracted to extended, and the engagement state from disengaged to locked, to transform between operational modes. This parameter change enables the same structure to provide both easy loading access and secure transport fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is added to prevent part movement, then parts stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparts stability during transportVSAvoidclip and retaining arm structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining arm utilizes the part's own geometry (flange, edge, or surface) to engage and lock automatically when extended. The system serves itself by using the part's features as the locking interface, eliminating the need for separate complex locking mechanisms while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The clip is segmented into distinct functional zones: a body portion with supporting surface, a retaining arm with engaging portion, and a groove structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving secure locking through simple geometric relationships rather than complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If dunnage strips are designed to accommodate various part shapes and sizes, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different part geometriesVSAvoidgroove and retaining arm dimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining arm is designed with universal engagement capability to interact with multiple part features (flanges, edges, surfaces) through a single geometric interface. The groove and retaining arm combination serves multiple functions: guiding part insertion, providing support surface contact, and enabling lateral engagement, thereby accommodating various part geometries without requiring precision customization for each part type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses homogeneous geometric forms (planar surfaces, lateral edges, and grooves) that can universally engage with diverse part shapes. By relying on basic geometric relationships rather than complex customized features, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining straightforward manufacturing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 effectively secures parts on the rack, reducing damage and increasing packing density by providing a stable and adaptable solution for parts of different shapes and sizes, facilitating efficient handling and transportation.

Implementation Method 1

The retaining arm includes a resilient portion that allows the retaining arm to flex between the locked position and the open position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9527428B2Apparatus, systems and methods for securing parts

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 GAUDETTE JEFFREY D

AI summary

A clip for securing a part, having a body portion having a first wall surface and a supporting surface adjacent the first wall surface, a retaining arm connected to the body, the retaining arm comprising a second wall surface opposite the first wall surface, an engaging portion at the distal end of the retaining arm, and an engaging surface on the engaging portion generally opposite the supporting surface. The first and second wall surfaces cooperate to define a groove that is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the part therein. The retaining arm is moveable between an open position wherein the portion of the part may be received in the groove, and a locked position wherein the engaging surface at least partially overhangs the groove and the engaging surface and the supporting surface cooperate so as to retain the portion of the part when received within the groove.