Retaining Clip with Outer Latching Elements for High Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening clips for motor vehicle trim parts to body panels often have insufficient holding forces, especially after multiple assembly/disassembly cycles, and require complex injection molds with multiple slides for production.
Innovation Solution
The fastening clip design features latching elements attached to the outer circumference of the anchoring element, allowing for a more solid structure with higher holding forces, and uses a seal to prevent water and dirt ingress, while eliminating the need for slides in the injection mold by distributing latching elements along the circumference and incorporating guide ribs to prevent assembly errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the latching element is positioned centrally in the anchoring element, then the structure is compact, but the holding forces are insufficient and decrease after multiple assembly/disassembly cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is moved from a central position to the outer circumference of the anchoring element, utilizing the radial dimension. This repositioning provides more space for the latching element to engage with the locking element, enabling higher holding forces while maintaining structural simplicity through the annular body design.
2Reliability
If the latching element is made more solid to increase holding forces, then the anchoring reliability improves, but the injection molding process becomes more complex requiring slides
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring element is designed as an annular body with latching elements distributed along its outer circumference. This segmentation allows the molding cavity to be opened radially without requiring complex sliding mechanisms, enabling the production of robust latching elements through simple injection molding processes.
3Strength
If multiple latching elements are provided along the circumference, then the holding forces are increased and distributed, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latching elements are integrated into a single annular anchoring element, forming one cohesive component. This merging approach allows multiple latching features to be produced simultaneously in a single injection molding cycle, increasing holding forces through distributed engagement points without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
This design achieves consistent high holding forces and prevents water ingress, ensuring reliable anchoring and cost-effective production with a simplified injection molding process.
Implementation Method 1
A seal is preferably provided on the anchoring element. This seals between the locking element and the carrier, so that no water or dirt can get to the trim part through the opening in the carrier.
Implementation Method 2
In this position, the spreading arms are spread apart from their initial position, so that the anchoring element can no longer be pulled out of the body panel.
Implementation Method 3
it must be firmly pulled off the bodywork panel so that the locking element is pulled out of the anchoring element and moves from the locking position into the assembly position. As a result, the spreading arms are released again and return to the starting position due to their inherent elasticity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The clip has an anchoring element inserted into an opening of a support. A locking element cooperates with a lining part (34) and extends through the anchoring element. The locking element is moved between a mounting position and a locking position relative to the anchoring element. A locking plate (14) is attached at the locking element and holds the locking element in the locking position. The locking plate is attached at an outer circumference of the anchoring element. The anchoring element has an annular body through which the locking element extends. An independent claim is also included for an injection molding tool for producing an anchoring element for a fastening clip.