Quick Release Fastener Retaining Clip Surface Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release fasteners with retaining clips often damage the surface of connected components due to barb-like projections, leading to corrosion and instability, especially when pull-out forces are applied, as they dig into the surface and compromise the corrosion protection layer.
Innovation Solution
A retaining clip with V-shaped spring legs and angled spring bars that are designed to prevent damage by using outwardly directed vertices to create supporting forces without clawing or anchoring, allowing for secure holding without damaging the component surface, and featuring a smooth convex outside to prevent corrosion and ensure easy release without surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If barb-like retaining webs are used to anchor the connecting shaft, then the holding force is improved, but the surface of the connecting shaft is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful barb-like structure that damages surfaces into a beneficial smooth conical surface that prevents damage while maintaining holding force through friction and geometric interlocking. The conical shape allows the connecting shaft to be anchored securely without the need for protruding barbs that would dig into and damage the shaft surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the anchoring surface from sharp barb-like projections to a smooth conical surface with specific angle and radius of curvature. This parameter change transforms the interaction mechanism from mechanical interlocking with damage to friction-based holding without surface damage.
2Strength
If locking lugs are used to anchor the retaining clip in the component opening, then the holding force is improved, but vibrations or pull-out forces can cause loosening of the connection
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using protruding locking lugs that can dig into and damage the component opening surface, the patent inverts the approach by using a smooth conical surface that presses against the connecting shaft. This inverted approach maintains holding force while eliminating the damaging effect on the component surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interlocking system with locking lugs with a friction-based system using a smooth conical surface. This substitution eliminates the need for protruding elements that can cause loosening under vibration, as the conical surface maintains continuous contact and holding force through friction and geometric constraints.
3Reliability
If spring bars with barb-like locking projections are used, then the retaining clip is held securely in the component opening, but the component surface is damaged leading to increased corrosion susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful barb-like locking projections that damage component surfaces into a beneficial smooth conical surface that provides secure retention without surface damage. The conical surface achieves retention security through friction and geometric interlocking rather than through damaging mechanical interlocking with protruding elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameter of the spring bars from sharp barb-like projections to a smooth conical surface with controlled radius of curvature. This parameter change eliminates the corrosion susceptibility caused by surface damage while maintaining retention security through the geometric shape and frictional contact.
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 reliable hold and secure connection between components without causing damage to the component surface, maintaining the corrosion protection layer and preventing corrosion, even under mechanical loads and pull-out forces, ensuring a stable and durable connection.
Implementation Method 1
two spring legs (12) arranged opposite one another in a V-shape... each having a central window (30) with a spring bar (32) arranged therein
Implementation Method 2
The outwardly directed spring force of the spring legs thus determines the holding forces that can be transmitted to the edge of a component opening via the locking lugs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A retaining clip of a quick-release fastener, which can be latched in a component opening and in which a locking bolt can be locked, which has the following features: two opposing V-shaped spring arms, the arrangement of which has a tapered open end at which the V-shaped spring arms are not connected to each other, and the arrangement of which has a flared end at which the V-shaped spring arms are connected to each other via a connecting web with a central through-hole, and each of the two V-shaped spring arms has a central window with a spring web arranged therein, which is attached on one side and is angled at least once in its course towards the flared end.