Orthogonal Axis Clip for Compact Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clip fastening mechanisms require a large spacer around the coupling hole due to obstacles from wall portions extending in the axis line direction, making the coupling operation difficult and requiring a significant space for attachment work.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cylindrical clip with a center axis line orthogonal to the coupling hole axis, allowing for rotational positioning that reduces the necessary space for attachment, featuring a cylindrical shape with varying lengths and angles to enhance flexibility and stability, and includes locking convex portions for controlled rotation and abutment portions to prevent deformation and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wall portion extending in the axis line direction is present around the coupling hole, then the clip can be retained, but the wall portion becomes an obstacle making grip and rotating operation difficult, requiring a relatively large spacer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rotation axis from being parallel to the coupling hole axis (conventional) to being orthogonal to the coupling hole axis. This dimensional change allows the clip to rotate in a different plane, avoiding interference from wall portions extending in the axis line direction, while still achieving reliable retention through the clamping action at the rotated position
2Ease of operation
If a relatively large spacer is provided around the coupling hole, then grip and rotating operation become easier, but the space required for attachment work increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the rotation axis to be orthogonal to the coupling hole axis, the invention enables the clip to be operated in a compact space. The rotation occurs in a plane perpendicular to the hole axis, allowing attachment work to be performed without requiring a large spacer around the coupling hole, thus reducing the area occupied during installation
3Reliability
If the clip is rotated around an axis line parallel to the coupling hole axis, then the locking convex portion is biased from the concave groove, but a large spacer is required around the coupling hole
Solution Approach 1:
The invention rotates the clip around an axis orthogonal to the coupling hole axis rather than parallel to it. This dimensional change allows the locking convex portion to be biased from the concave groove through rotation in a perpendicular plane, achieving the same locking reliability without requiring a large spacer around the coupling hole
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 clip can be easily coupled to the coupling hole with minimal space, maintaining stability and preventing deformation or fatigue of the member defining the coupling hole, thus reducing the required attachment space and enhancing the clip's versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the clip (1) is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to enhance flexibility into a direction orthogonal to the center axis line. Consequently, when the coupling hole clamps the clip, the clip mainly bends so as to be difficult to apply loads to a member defining the coupling hole
Data Source
AI summary
A clip couples a first member with a first through-hole, and a second member with a second through-hole. The clip includes a flexible cylindrical portion having a predetermined center axis line, opening two ends, and formed so that a distance from the center axis line to an outside surface is different in a rotational direction around the center axis line. The center axis line is orthogonal to an axis line of the coupling hole, and the cylindrical portion is inserted into a coupling hole rotatably between a first rotational position and a second rotational position around the center axis line. The cylindrical portion is set to have a distance between the center axis line and the outside surface to be loosely fitted in the coupling hole at the first rotational position and to be clamped between hole walls of the coupling hole at the second rotational position.