Rib-Like Insertion Coupling Structure for Holding Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion coupling structures for vehicles face challenges in achieving appropriate holding force without excessively increasing the insertion force, particularly when using elastic members that require significant force for coupling due to their elastic properties.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an insertion coupling structure with a base portion, a clamping portion, a rigid supporting portion in a rib-like shape, and an elastic supporting portion that can be elastically deformed, allowing the coupling member to be clamped between the rigid and elastic supporting portions to achieve holding force while minimizing the required insertion force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If members made of resin materials are formed in shapes capable of exhibiting elasticity to prevent looseness due to vibrations, then holding force is improved, but insertion force becomes excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion is divided into multiple ribs extending in the insertion direction, creating segmented elastic elements that can deform independently. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve holding force through cumulative effect of multiple ribs while reducing the force required for insertion compared to a single monolithic elastic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib-like supporting portion provides localized elasticity at specific contact points with the coupling member, rather than requiring the entire structure to be elastic. This localized approach allows holding force to be achieved through targeted elastic deformation while minimizing overall insertion force requirements.
2Reliability
If members are formed to exhibit large elastic force for achieving holding force, then holding force is improved, but insertion force becomes excessively increased
Solution Approach 1:
The rib-like supporting portion is designed to dynamically deform during the insertion process and then maintain a clamped state afterward. The elastic ribs flex during insertion to accommodate the coupling member, then rebound to provide holding force, creating a dynamic transition from insertion mode to holding mode that resolves the force contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic modulus and geometric parameters of the rib-like supporting portion are optimized to provide appropriate stiffness characteristics. The ribs have controlled thickness and spacing that allow them to deform elastically under insertion force while maintaining sufficient rigidity to provide holding force after insertion, effectively tuning the force parameters to resolve the contradiction.
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 configuration effectively maintains holding force while preventing excessive insertion force, accommodating dimensional errors and ensuring secure coupling without requiring high insertion forces, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the coupling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic supporting portion that has rigidity lower than rigidity of the rigid supporting portion, is provided to the clamping portion such that the elastic supporting portion is capable of being elastically deformed in the thickness direction of the coupling member
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion coupling structure includes a base portion that is in contact with a surface on one side in a thickness direction of a coupling member, a clamping portion that faces a surface on the other side of the coupling member, a rigid supporting portion that is provided to the clamping portion in a rib-like shape along an insertion direction that intersects the thickness direction of the coupling member and in which the coupling member is inserted, and is in contact with the surface on the other side of the coupling member, and an elastic supporting portion that has rigidity lower than the rigidity of the rigid supporting portion.