Push-Fit Clip Structure With Elastic Hook Locking and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing clip attaching structure is complicated due to the need for multiple steps and operations to assemble and attach the male and female members to the attaching member.
Innovation Solution
A clip design featuring a male member with a head part and a rod-shaped pin part, and a female member with a cylindrical part and engaging hooks, allowing for simple attachment by a single pushing operation through elastic deformation and engagement mechanisms, including tolerance and stopping parts, and optional seal parts for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the male member and female member are assembled in multiple steps (provisional assembly, then attachment to attaching member), then the engagement strength is ensured, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the provisional assembly function and the attachment to attaching member function into a single integrated operation. The male member and female member are designed so that one pushing action simultaneously achieves both the provisional assembly (pin part engaging with first engaging hook) and the attachment to attaching member (cylindrical part engaging with attaching hole via second engaging hook), eliminating the need for separate assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the tolerance part and stopping part on the pin part, and the elastically deformable second engaging hook on the cylindrical part. These features are designed in advance to automatically control the deformation and recovery of the second engaging hook during the single pushing operation, ensuring proper engagement sequence without requiring manual intervention for each step.
2Ease of operation
If the second engaging hook is made elastically deformable to pass through the attaching hole, then the attachment is simplified, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic deformation capability of the second engaging hook. The hook is designed to temporarily change its shape (deform) during the attachment process to pass through the attaching hole, then automatically recover its original shape to engage with the attaching hole edge. This dynamic parameter change (from deformed state to recovered state) enables simplified attachment without adding complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics by making the second engaging hook elastically deformable rather than rigid. The hook dynamically adapts its shape during the attachment process - deforming to pass through the attaching hole and then recovering to lock in place. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to simplify the attachment operation while the elastic mechanism itself provides the necessary complexity only when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pin part includes tolerance and stopping parts to control hook deformation, then the engagement precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pin part into distinct functional segments: the tolerance part and the stopping part. The tolerance part is designed to allow elastic deformation of the second engaging hook during insertion, while the stopping part is designed to stop the deformation and define the final engagement position. This segmentation of functions within the pin part enables precise engagement control while keeping each segment's manufacturing relatively simple.
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
Enables straightforward attachment of the clip to the attaching member with reduced operational complexity and enhanced engagement strength, while maintaining a sealed state, facilitating easy assembly and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
the second engaging hook provided on the cylindrical part and elastically deformable in an inward/outward direction of the cylindrical part that engages with an edge of the attaching hole when the cylindrical part is inserted into the attaching hole
Implementation Method 2
the pin part is provided with a tolerance part that allows elastic deformation of the second engaging hook toward an inside of the cylindrical part when the pin part is in the first inserting position
Implementation Method 3
a stopping part positioned more on the head part side than the tolerance part that supports the second engaging hook from inside the cylindrical part and stops elastic deformation of the second engaging hook toward the inside of the cylindrical part when the pin part is in the second inserting position
Data Source
AI summary
A clip includes a male member having a head part and a rod-shaped pin part; and a female member having a cylindrical part into which the pin part is inserted, a first engaging hook on the cylindrical part engaging the pin part at a first inserting position of the pin part and a second inserting position on a back side in an inserting direction, and a second engaging hook engaging an edge of the attaching hole when the cylindrical part is inserted into the attaching hole. The pin part includes a tolerance part allowing elastic deformation of the second engaging hook when the pin part is in the first inserting position, and a stopping part positioned on the head part side supporting the second engaging hook from inside the cylindrical part and stopping elastic deformation of the second engaging hook when the pin part is in the second inserting position.