Retention Clip Angled Tabs Hardware Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding hardware in place during transport and installation, such as plastic ties and radially installed clips, are inefficient, prone to misalignment, and can interfere with the installation process or cause collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A retention clip with a support surface and angled tabs that are elastic below a preset load, allowing the clip to self-align and securely hold hardware in place during transport, and deform to release the hardware during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic ties are used to hold devices in place, then the devices can be secured during transport, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires removal of the ties
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into two distinct components: a retention clip with tabs for transport and a separate locking mechanism for installation. The tabs are segmented to be removable after transport, allowing the device to transition from transport mode to installation mode without complete removal of the retention system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip and tabs are pre-installed on the device before transport, performing the function of securing the device during shipping. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming installation of retention mechanisms at the installation site.
2Reliability
If radially installed clips with open apertures are used, then the clips can hold fasteners, but they may rotate relative to the device and are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip features asymmetric tab configurations with specific orientations that prevent rotation of the clip relative to the device. The tabs are positioned and shaped to engage with corresponding features on the device in a non-rotational manner, ensuring proper alignment and preventing the clip from spinning during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system transitions from a static held state during transport to a dynamic release state during installation. The tabs are designed to be removable or deformable under specific conditions, allowing the system to adapt from securing the device during shipping to releasing it for installation without interference.
3Reliability
If radially installed clips are used to hold devices, then the fasteners can be captured, but the clips interfere with final tightening and subsequent fastener removal
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into transport-function components (tabs) and installation-function components. The tabs are designed to be removed or deactivated during the installation process, eliminating interference with final tightening operations while maintaining device closure during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip performs the preliminary function of holding the device closed during transport, but is designed to yield or be removed before the final tightening operation. This preliminary action satisfies the need for transport security without interfering with the subsequent installation process.
4Reliability
If existing retention methods are used, then hardware can be held in place, but they may fall off or be lost causing debris and collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip is merged with the device structure or packaging system, ensuring that the retention mechanism cannot separate from the device during transport. The tabs are integrated into the device housing or packaging, eliminating the risk of the retention components becoming loose debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is designed with fail-safe features that prevent the clips or tabs from becoming detached debris. The structure includes retention features that ensure the retention components remain attached to the device or packaging under all transport conditions, preventing them from becoming harmful debris.
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 retention clip effectively maintains hardware organization during transport, prevents rotation, and facilitates easy installation and removal without interfering with the final tightening process, reducing labor and potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
The tabs may be elastic below a preset load placed on the tabs, and the tabs may deform and lose their elasticity above the preset load
Data Source
AI summary
A retention clip for hardware may include a support surface having an aperture extending through the support surface. The support surface may surround an entire perimeter of the aperture. The clip may further include at least one anti-rotation surface extending from the support surface in a non-parallel direction, and a plurality of angled tabs extending from the support surface in non-parallel directions towards the aperture. At least a portion of each angled tab may be disposed directly below the aperture. The tabs may be elastic below a preset load placed on the tabs, and the tabs may deform and lose their elasticity above the preset load.