Self-Closing Clip With Anti-Slide Tabs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for retaining tubes in automobile vehicle body panels require additional manual steps for locking and lack confirmation of proper engagement, leading to increased time, labor, and potential misengagement.
Innovation Solution
A self-closing positive engagement clip member with rigid walls and a living hinge allows automatic locking of tubes, featuring anti-slide tabs that prevent axial displacement and ensure secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener uses deflectable arms or a lock feature requiring manual engagement, then the tube can be retained, but additional time and labor are required and there is no confirmation of proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member automatically engages and locks the tube through its own deflectable motion when inserted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The living hinge mechanism causes the clamp member to deflect and snap into the locked position automatically upon tube insertion, providing both time savings and reliable engagement confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener provides immediate feedback through the automatic locking mechanism that confirms proper engagement. The snap-action of the living hinge and the positioning of the clamp member against the stop wall face provide tactile and visual confirmation that the tube is securely retained, eliminating uncertainty about engagement status.
2Reliability
If a fastener uses deflectable arms for tube retention, then the tube can be loaded automatically, but the arms do not positively retain the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: the clamp member for retention, the living hinge for actuation, and the anti-slide tabs for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, with the clamp member providing positive retention through its C-shape that embraces the tube, while the anti-slide tabs prevent longitudinal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge provides dynamic motion to the clamp member, allowing it to deflect during tube insertion and then snap into the locked position. This dynamic action transforms the simple deflectable arm concept into a positive retention system where the clamp member actively engages and locks the tube in place through controlled motion.
3Productivity
If a fastener allows automatic loading of tubes, then productivity increases, but there is potential for improper engagement without confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener automatically performs both the loading and locking functions through its self-actuating mechanism. When the tube is inserted, the living hinge causes the clamp member to deflect and automatically snap into the locked position, providing both high-speed automatic loading and reliable engagement confirmation in a single integrated action.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped clamp member is pre-configured in an open position by the living hinge, ready to receive the tube. As the tube is inserted, the clamp member automatically deflects and engages, performing the locking action as a preliminary result of the insertion itself, before any additional operations are required.
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 clip member automatically locks tubes during installation, providing a positive retention feature and preventing axial motion, thus enhancing efficiency and reliability by eliminating the need for manual locking and ensuring secure tube retention.
Implementation Method 1
A curve-shaped open clamp member is integrally connected to the first wall by a living hinge, allowing the clamp member to rotate from an open position into a cavity created between the first and second walls thereby defining a self-closed and locked position of the clamp member
Implementation Method 2
The inner face of the clamp member contacts a stop wall face of the first wall during rotation of the clamp member such that further displacement of the tube in an installation direction after the clamp member contacts the stop wall acts to elastically deflect the inner end creating a biasing force in the clamp member at the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A self-closing clip member includes a body having first and second walls. A clamp member is integrally connected to the first wall by a living hinge allowing the clamp member to rotate from an open position into a cavity created between the first and second walls upon direct contact by a tube member, defining a clamp member locked position retaining the tube member. Multiple anti-slide features include a first tab extending from a second wall portion first end. A second tab is oppositely positioned on the second wall. The first and second tabs define cavity end extents. The second tab further extends from a shelf providing a connection between the first wall and an angled intermediate wall. A third tab extends between and is integrally connected to both the intermediate and first walls. The tabs define an anti-slide system preventing the clamp member in the locked position from moving in a direction co-axial to the cavity.