Retention Clip Assembly for Single-Fastener Component Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost associated with vehicle component assembly due to the need for multiple fastening means, such as retention clips and separate screws, are exacerbated by packaging, vehicle, and component constraints, making efficient and quick mounting challenging.
Innovation Solution
A retention clip with a first portion that deforms upon insertion into a mounting location, a second portion for attaching to a component via a fastener, and a third portion that abuts against the component to translate along an attachment axis, allowing for locating and securing with a single fastener in two stages, thereby reducing the need for multiple fastening components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fastening means (retention clips and separate screws) are used to secure components, then the component mounting reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention clip and fastener into a single integrated fastening component. The retention clip includes a body with a fastener interface and deformation portions that perform both retention and fastening functions, eliminating the need for separate retention clips and screws, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining mounting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fastening component performs multiple functions: it provides component retention through its body structure, enables fastening through the deformation portions that engage with mounting slots, and allows for tool-based tightening. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components with a single universal fastening solution
2Reliability
If multiple fastening means are used to secure components, then the component mounting reliability is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retention and fastening functions into a single component, the assembly process requires only one fastening operation instead of multiple steps involving separate retention clips and screws, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining the reliability benefits of a secure connection
3Reliability
If multiple fastening components are used, then the component mounting reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of retention and fastening functions into a single component reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliable fastening performance through the deformation portions that provide secure engagement with mounting slots
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 solution simplifies component mounting by reducing the number of parts required, lowering costs, and decreasing assembly time while providing a high clamping force of up to 1500N, thus improving the efficiency and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion configured to temporarily deform upon insertion into a slot of a mounting location
Implementation Method 2
a third portion configured to deform under a second torque of the fastener such that the first portion and the second portion are translated along an attachment axis toward the component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A retention clip (100) is described herein. The retention clip (100) has a first portion (110) configured to temporarily deform upon insertion into a slot of a mounting location (204) and prevent the retention clip (100) from retracting through the slot once inserted. The retention clip (100) also has a second portion (112) configured to attach the retention clip (100) to a component (202) via a first torque of a fastener (206) interfacing with the second portion (112). The retention clip (100) further has a third portion (114) configured to abut against a surface of the component (202) and deform under a second torque of the fastener (206) such that the first portion (110) and the second portion (112) are translated along an attachment axis toward the component (202). The retention clip (100) allows for locating and securing the component (202) with a single fastener (206) via two stages. Accordingly, mounting of the component (202) may be cheaper, less complex, and quicker.