Pre-assembled Clip and Retaining Element for Single-Operation Panel Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for vehicle panels require multiple operations for assembly and have structural limitations that prevent single-operation insertion due to conical configurations breaking when retaining elements are inserted, making them inefficient and difficult to mount in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a clip with a curved or conical configuration and flexible wings that can be inserted into a panel opening with a retaining element pre-assembled, featuring pawl-type interlocking lugs and a disassembly cavity for tool insertion, allowing simultaneous and secure fastening without breaking the conical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clip has a conical configuration to facilitate insertion into panel opening, then ease of insertion is improved, but the conical structure breaks when the retaining element is inserted, causing assembly failure
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is pre-assembled onto the clip before insertion into the panel opening. This preliminary assembly ensures that the lugs are already in their engaged position with the retaining element, preventing the conical structure from breaking during the insertion process. The pre-assembly action resolves the contradiction by preparing the clip-retaining element combination in advance so that the conical configuration remains intact during insertion.
2Manufacturing precision
If the retaining element is inserted after the clip is positioned, then the clip can be precisely positioned in the panel, but multiple operations are required making assembly inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clip and retaining element are merged into a single pre-assembled unit before insertion. This combining of components allows the entire assembly to be inserted in one operation, achieving both precise positioning (since the clip is part of the assembled unit) and high productivity (since only one insertion operation is needed). The merging principle resolves the contradiction by making the clip and retaining element act as a single integrated component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clip height is reduced to allow assembly in confined areas, then adaptability to confined spaces is improved, but the resilient force for retaining the panel may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient force is concentrated locally at the lugs where they engage with the retaining element, rather than relying on the overall clip height. The lugs are designed with specific local properties (flexibility, engagement geometry) that generate sufficient retaining force even when the clip height is reduced. This local quality approach allows the clip to be short enough for confined spaces while maintaining adequate retaining force through optimized local features.
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
Facilitates easy and economical single-operation assembly and disassembly, ensuring secure fastening with reduced height and increased resilience, enabling efficient mounting in confined vehicle areas.
Implementation Method 1
the clip exerts its resilient retaining force such that at least some of its parts are operated from the top or blind zone of the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device includes a clip and a retaining element. The clip has a head from which lateral wings for fastening to a panel and resilient lugs for fastening the retaining element to the clip extend laterally. The retaining element temporarily fastened inside the clip is inserted in this state inside a mounting hole or opening where final fastening of the device to the panel is performed. The retaining element has an internal cavity for disassembling the clip. The resilient lugs have a fold from which they extend so as to form inner wings which are provided with an opening. Upon insertion of the retaining element, projections of the retaining element engage inside the opening.