Retaining Clip with Flexible Stops for Cable Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening clips for vehicles, designed to manage cables at angles, require separate and rotatable cable holders, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost due to multiple assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A fastening clip with a one-piece, flexible connection between the base body and holding section, utilizing flexible elements and stop structures to allow for adjustable movement in multiple directions, enabling cost-effective production and versatile installation without additional assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate cable holders are rotatably connected to one another to achieve rotatability, then the fastening clip can adapt to different cable orientations, but the manufacturing effort increases and the component becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate cable holders into a single integrated base body with multiple receptacles. The base body contains multiple receptacles (at least two) that can receive different cable holders, eliminating the need for separate rotatable cable holder components and their complex assembly, while maintaining the ability to accommodate cables at various angles
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed as a universal component with multiple receptacles that can accommodate different cable holders in various orientations. This multi-functional design allows a single component to perform the function previously requiring multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate cable holders are rotatably connected to achieve rotatability, then the fastening clip can adapt to different cable orientations, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable holder receptacles into a single base body component, reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled. This integration eliminates multiple assembly steps required for connecting separate rotatable cable holders, thereby improving assembly efficiency and productivity
3Ease of manufacture
If flexible elements are used to connect the holding section to the base body, then the fastening clip can be produced in one piece, but the flexible elements may experience excessive deflection or force without stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates stop structures within the base body that preliminarily define the movement limits of the flexible elements. These stops are pre-positioned during one-piece production to prevent excessive deflection or force on the flexible elements, ensuring their durability while maintaining the benefits of integrated manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The stop structures act as protective measures built into the base body that cushion and limit the movement of flexible elements before excessive force or deflection can occur. This beforehand protection prevents damage to the flexible elements while allowing the one-piece manufacturing approach
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 solution provides a flexible and cost-effective fastening solution that can be adapted to various installation situations, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling efficient use for cables and pipes, with adjustable stops limiting excessive deflection and force, while maintaining stability and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The holding section (14) is flexibly connected to the base body (12) via two flexible elements (18), which are connected to the base body (12) and to the holding section (14) in one piece
Implementation Method 2
The flexible elements can also generate a restoring force into the neutral position when they are deflected
Data Source
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AI summary
A fastening clip comprises a base body and at least one holding portion which is integrally but flexibly connected to the base body, the base body as well as the holding portion comprising at least one receptacle for an elongated member. The holding portion is reversibly movable with respect to the base body in a predefined range, however, a rotation of the holding portion relative to the base body is limited by first stops.