Pre-Retaining Clip Structure for Stable Screw Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for securing screws to battery trays in vehicle structures face issues with maintaining bolt position during assembly, requiring complex maneuvers for assembly and disassembly, and often result in damage to screw threads.
Innovation Solution
A pre-retaining clip with spring elements and protrusions, allowing secure attachment of a screw to a part, ensuring it remains in position during assembly line advancement, and facilitating easy disassembly and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clip is used to hold a screw in a spacer, then the screw position can be maintained during assembly, but the assembly and disassembly require complex maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into functional segments: a body portion for positioning, spring elements for retention, and protrusions for screw engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling simple insertion and removal while maintaining reliable screw positioning throughout the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements provide dynamic retention by allowing the clip to flex and adapt during insertion and removal. The elastic deformation of spring elements enables the clip to accommodate the screw during assembly while maintaining constant retention force, simplifying operations without compromising position stability
2Reliability
If existing fastening systems are used, then screws can be secured to battery trays, but thread damage occurs during the fastening process
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions on the clip act as intermediary elements between the screw and the clip body. These protrusions engage with the screw threads during insertion, guiding the screw into proper alignment and distributing insertion forces evenly, thereby preventing thread damage while ensuring secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The clip's protrusions are pre-configured to engage with screw threads before the screw is fully inserted. This preliminary engagement guides the screw into correct positioning and prevents misalignment that could cause thread damage during the fastening operation
3Productivity
If a screw is held in a spacer by a clip, then the screw remains in position during assembly line advancement, but the clip and screw require complex maneuvers for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is segmented into a body and spring elements with distinct functions. The body provides structural support and positioning, while spring elements provide retention. This segmentation allows the clip to be easily inserted into the spacer and have the screw automatically retained, simplifying assembly operations and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements automatically engage and retain the screw when the clip is inserted into the spacer. The elastic deformation of spring elements during insertion causes them to snap into the retained position, providing self-service retention without requiring complex assembly maneuvers. Similarly, the clip can be easily removed by applying force to overcome the spring retention
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 maintains screw position during assembly, prevents thread damage, and allows for quick replacement and reusability, enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element protrudes out of the outer surface of the body and is capable of being deformed towards the axis of the body
Implementation Method 2
the protrusion is capable of being tapped when a threaded rod with an outside diameter of the thread greater than the inside diameter of the opening is inserted by screwing into the opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pre-retaining clip which is in the form of a sleeve, comprising a substantially cylindrical tubular body (20) having an opening (50) along its axis. The clip (100) comprises at least one spring element (40) on the outer surface of the body (20), the spring element (40) projecting from the outer surface of the body (20) and being capable of being deformed towards the axis of the body (20); and the clip (100) further comprises at least one protrusion (60) on the inner surface of the body (20), and said at least one protrusion (60) is capable of being tapped when a threaded rod having an outer diameter of the thread larger than the inner diameter of the opening (50) is screwed into the opening (50).