Plastic Clamp Locking Coupling Radial Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clips with snap-in couplings face issues of easy opening, low security against unintentional loosening, and large external dimensions, along with complex designs and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
The clip features a design with inclined support surfaces formed by external ribs, longer first latching elements, and ramp surfaces on latching teeth for easy closure and high stability, along with a hard-elastic plastic band and film hinge for enhanced dimensional stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the locking teeth of the first and second locking elements are arranged one above the other, then the locking coupling can be formed, but it requires a lot of space in the radial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are arranged side-by-side in the transverse direction rather than stacked radially, changing the spatial arrangement from radial stacking to lateral positioning. This dimensional reorganization reduces radial height while maintaining locking functionality through the support surfaces that prevent lateral displacement.
2Strength
If the support surfaces of the coupling parts only touch one another in some areas, then the structure is simpler, but it offers little resistance to bending
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between multiple elements: the support surfaces on the locking elements provide primary support, while the laterally extending ribs provide additional support and prevent lateral displacement. This segmentation of support functions achieves high flexural rigidity without requiring overly complex individual components.
3Ease of operation
If the latching elements are not fixed to one another in the lateral direction, then the coupling parts can be displaced laterally to open the clip, but the coupling parts can also automatically move laterally and the clamp opens unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism allows dynamic lateral displacement for intentional opening while maintaining static stability through the support surfaces and ribs that prevent unintentional movement. The system transitions between a locked stable state and an intentionally opened state, with the support structures ensuring that only deliberate force can initiate opening.
4Strength
If the first latching element is longer than the second latching element, then the support length is increased, but the coupling part requires more space in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking elements are made longer than the second locking elements, creating local quality differentiation. The longer first locking elements with extended support surfaces provide enhanced support where needed, while the shorter second locking elements suffice for their specific function, optimizing the overall longitudinal dimension.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
In a clamp (1) made of plastic for enclosing an object with an annularly bent band (2), wherein toothed coupling parts (10, 11) forming a locking coupling are provided at the ends (3, 4) of the band and each coupling part (10, 11) has a first locking element (12) with a locking tooth (13) directed towards the inside of the annular band and a second locking element (14) with a locking tooth (15) directed towards the outside of the annular band and wherein the locking elements (12, 14) are arranged on the coupling parts such that the first locking element (12) of one coupling part (10 or 11) engages with the second locking element (14) of the other coupling part (11 or 10) when the locking coupling is closed.According to the invention, the first and second locking elements (12, 14) of the coupling parts (10, 11) are arranged on opposite sides of a plane dividing the belt longitudinally, in particular centrally, and the locking elements (12, 14) of both coupling parts (10, 11) each have a support surface (18, 19) on their side facing the dividing plane, which is arranged such that when the locking coupling is closed, the support surfaces (18, 19) of the locking elements of one coupling part (10) engage with the corresponding support surfaces (18, 19) of the locking elements of the other coupling part (11).